Eleanor's company was worse than useless.
"Please leave me alone," she said at length.

"The sound of your voice irritates inc." An hour went by, and no one disturbed her mood.

Her languor was on the confines of sleep, when a knock at the door caused her to stir impatiently and half raise herself.

It was her maid who entered, holding a note.
"A gentleman has called, ma'am.

He wished me to give you this." Miriam glanced at the address, and at once stood up, only her pale face witnessing the lack of energy of a moment ago.
"Is he waiting ?" "Yes, ma'am." The note was of two or three lines:--"Will you let me see you?
Of course I mean alone.