It was nearly eight o'clock when Judith entered the study, and found Marson seated at his writing-table, with his gray head buried in his arms. A spasm of agony distorted the calm of her face as she saw the abject terror of the old man; however, repressing all signs of emotion, she moved slowly across the room, and touched him tenderly on the shoulder. He looked up with a startled cry, but was somewhat reassured by the peacefulness of her expression. No marble statue in its eternal calm looked so void of passion and human fear as this tall, pale woman who masked the anguish of her aching heart under an impassive demeanour. Every emotion, every pang, every terror was expressed on the withered countenance of the old man; but she was cold, expressionless, still, as if all human feeling had been frozen in her soul.
Their eyes met for a moment, and from the dim eyes of the man, from the splendid eyes of the woman, there leapt forth a sudden look of mutual dread, of mutual anguish, and horrible suspense. That look spoke all, and they had no need of words to explain their feelings, so Judith sat down near the fire, and Marson resumed his chair at the desk in ominous silence.
At last Marson spoke, low and timidly, as if he feared his words would be trumpeted forth to the four quarters of the world.
"No, I think she is worse to-night. Very excitable and restless."
"Oh, Judith! Was it wise of you to leave her?"
"She is in good hands. Dr. Japix is with her."
"Japix!" repeated the old man, starting. "I'm sorry about that. On this night of all nights I wish no one in the house!"
"It doesn't matter," replied Judith, feigning an indifference she was far from feeling; "what we know to-night all the world will know to-morrow."
"We can expect nothing else from such a man as Judas."
"I mean Judas! The name suits such a traitor."
"Heaven only knows what he considers to be his interests," said Judith, bitterly, "but anything is better than that he should marry Florry!"
"Do you think he would consent to take money instead?"
"I think it's too late to offer any terms. Remember, to-night we deal with the law."
Judith shuddered, and covered her face with her hands.
"Yes, I know he is," she said, in a low voice; "but Roger can do nothing to help us."