I'll run down to him.' De Stancy had obtained six weeks' additional leave on account of his health, which had somewhat suffered in India.

The first use he made of his extra time was in hastening back to meet the travelling ladies here at Strassburg.

Mr.Power and Mrs.Goodman were also at the hotel, and when Charlotte got downstairs, the former was welcoming De Stancy at the door.
Paula had not seen him since he set out from Genoa for Nice, commissioned by her to deliver the hundred pounds to Somerset.

His note, stating that he had failed to meet Somerset, contained no details, and she guessed that he would soon appear before her now to answer any question about that peculiar errand.
Her anticipations were justified by the event; she had no sooner gone into the next sitting-room than Charlotte De Stancy appeared and asked if her brother might come up.

The closest observer would have been in doubt whether Paula's ready reply in the affirmative was prompted by personal consideration for De Stancy, or by a hope to hear more of his mission to Nice.