Julian returned to the library.
He had just set foot in the room, when there was a knock at the other door--the door that opened on the hall.

One of the men-servants appeared, with a telegraphic message in his hand.

Mercy was the first to see it.

It was the Matron's answer to the letter which she had sent to the Refuge.
"For Mr.Julian Gray ?" she asked.
"Yes, miss." "Give it to me." She signed to the man to withdraw, and herself gave the telegram to Julian.

"It is addressed to you, at my request," she said.