Then, as he was on the point of descending, he saw Seaman mounting the stairs.

At a gesture he waited for him, waited until he came, and, taking him by the arm, led him to a great settee in a dark corner.

Seaman had lost his usual blitheness.

The good-humoured smile played no longer about his lips.
"Where is Lady Dominey ?" he asked.
"In my room, waiting until her own is prepared." Seaman's manner was unusually grave.
"My friend," he said, "you know very well that when we walk in the great paths of life I am unscrupulous.

In those other hours, alas! I have a weakness,--I love women." "Well ?" Dominey muttered.
"I will admit," the other continued, "that you are placed in a delicate and trying position.