At the door he looked round for an instant, and his eyes met Paula's.

There was the same miles-off expression in hers that they had worn when he entered; but there was also a look of distressful inquiry, as if she were earnestly expecting him to say something more.

This of course Somerset did not comprehend.

Possibly she was clinging to a hope of some excuse for the message he was supposed to have sent, or for the other and more degrading matter.

Anyhow, Somerset only bowed and went away.
A moment after he had gone, Paula, impelled by something or other, crossed the room to the window.