Then with the aid of a stick Lucas began to drag himself laboriously to his feet.

Anne rose to help him.
He took her arm, looking at her shrewdly.
"Lady Carfax, will you let me speak to him alone ?" "If you wish it," she said.
"I do wish it." His eyes passed hers suddenly and rested upon the lace at her neck.

In one place it was torn, and the soft flesh was revealed; revealed also was a long red stripe, swollen and turning.

In an instant his glance fell, but she saw his brows contract as if at a sharp twinge of pain.

"I do wish it," he said again very gently.