She drew herself up rigidly and her heart throbbed violently.

She would not receive Peter any differently from usual, she must be frank to him and show him how she felt, and that matters could not go on so, nay she was already trying to find fitting words for what she had to say to him.

Just at that moment, the horse stopped before the door.

She went to the window; saw her husband swing himself from the saddle and look joyously up to the window of her room and, though she made no sign of greeting, her heart drew her towards him.

Every thought, every fancy was forgotten, and with winged steps she flew down the corridor to the stairs.