It opened into a long vista of splendour, as it seemed to Rose, accustomed so long to the shabby Strand lodgings.

She had expected to find the Doctor's rooms empty; but, to her surprise, within an inner apartment, whose door stood wide, she saw a lady.

The lady, robed in bright silk, tall and stately, with golden hair twisted coronet wise round the shapely head, stood with her back to them, looking out of the window.

Something in that straight and stately form struck with a nameless thrill to Rose Stanford's heart; and she stood in the doorway, spell-bound.

At the noise of their entrance, the lady turned round, uttered an exclamation of pleasure, and advanced towards them.