More than ever it seemed to Tallente that the atmosphere of the room had changed, had become in some subtle way at the same time more enervating and more exciting.

It was like a revelation of a hidden side of the woman, who might indeed have had some purpose of her own in leaving him here.

He set down his empty glass with the feeling that vermouth was a heavier drink than he had fancied.

Then a streak of watery sunshine filtered its way through the plantation and crept across the worn, handsome carpet.

He felt a queer exultation at the sound of her footsteps outside.