It seemed that Durrance's eyes took in the path which his feet trod, and with the stick which he carried in his hand he switched at the blades of grass like one that carries it from habit rather than for any use.

Ethne descended the steps and advanced to meet him.

She walked slowly, as if to a difficult encounter.
But there was another who only waited an opportunity to engage in it with eagerness.

For as Ethne descended the steps Mrs.Adair suddenly dropped the book which she had pretended to resume and ran towards the window.

Hidden by the drapery of the curtain she looked out and watched.
The smile was still upon her lips, but a fierce light had brightened in her eyes, and her face had the drawn look of hunger.
"Something which at all costs she must conceal," she said to herself, and she said it in a voice of exultation.