There, in the faint light by the sleeping canaries, stood Charlotte's brother.
'How is she now ?' he whispered.
'Sleeping soundly,' said Paula.
'That's a blessing.

I have not been to bed.

I came in late, and have now come down to know if I had not better take your place ?' 'Nobody is required, I think.

But you can judge for yourself.' Up to this point they had conversed in the doorway of the sitting-room, which De Stancy now entered, crossing it to Charlotte's apartment.

He came out from the latter at a pensive pace.
'She is doing well,' he said gently.