And at last he stumbled to his feet like a stricken man on the firing line, stupefied that the thing had happened to _him_; and stood unsteadily, looking around.

Then he went heavily about his dressing.
Later, when he was ready to leave his room, he heard Malcourt walking through the corridor outside--a leisurely and lightly stepping Malcourt, whistling a lively air.

And, when Malcourt had passed came Cecile rustling from the western corridor, gay, quick-stepping, her enchanting laughter passing through the corridor like a fresh breeze as she joined Mrs.Carrick on the stairs.

Then silence; and he opened his door.

And Shiela Cardross, passing noiselessly, turned at the sound.
His face must have been easy to read for her own promptly lost its colour, and with an involuntary recoil she stepped back against the wall, staring at him in pallid silence.
"What is the matter ?" he asked, scarcely recognising his own voice.