Approaching her to lead her to the luncheon-table, Mrs.Crayford could hear that she was speaking softly to herself.

She was repeating the farewell words which Richard Wardour had spoken to her at the ball.
"'A time may come when I shall forgive _you_.

But the man who has robbed me of you shall rue the day when you and he first met.' Oh, Frank! Frank! does Richard still live, with your blood on his conscience, and my image in his heart ?" Her lips suddenly closed.

She started, and drew back from the doorway, trembling violently.

Mrs.Crayford looked out at the quiet seaward view.
"Anything there that frightens you, my dear ?" she asked.