Midway, the story had gone to pieces.

He rose from his feet, intending this time to tackle his neglected duties in earnest.

As he did so, he heard a motor climbing the steep drive, and in front of it a lady, walking.
He stood arrested--in a stupor of astonishment.
Doris!--by all the gods!--_Doris_! It was indeed Doris.

She came wearily, looking from side to side, like one uncertain of her way.

Then she too perceived Meadows, and stopped.
Meadows was conscious of two mixed feelings--first, a very lively pleasure at the sight of her, and then annoyance.