On a crisp, cold afternoon, one week after her interview with the Prophet, Enid Witcherley sat in the drawing-room of her London flat.

The early portion of the day had been pleasantly warmed and brightened by the pale March sunshine; but at three o'clock a searching wind had begun to blow across the city from the east; and now, as the small gold clock on her bureau chimed the hour of five, she rose from the couch where she had been sitting, and, crossing the room with a little shiver, drew a chair to the fire and pressed the electric bell.
As the maid appeared, in answer to her summons, she gave her order without looking round.
"Tea, Norris!" she said, in an unusually curt and laconic voice.
For a considerable time after the maid's departure she sat motionless, her hands stretched out towards the blazing logs, her large eyes absently watching the firelight on her many and beautiful rings.

When the woman reappeared, and, noiselessly arranging the tea-table, moved it to her side, she scarcely glanced up; and to the most superficial observer it would have been patent that her own thoughts and speculations fully absorbed her mind.
She retained her contemplative attitude after the servant had withdrawn for the second time, and it is doubtful how long she would have remained sunk in apparent lethargy had not the unexpected sound of the hall-door bell caused her to start into an upright position with a little exclamation of surprise and impatience.
As she sat listening with nervous intentness, the door opened, and once more Norris appeared.

After a second's hesitation she crossed to her mistress.
"There's a gentleman at the door, ma'am," she said, deprecatingly.
Enid looked up, a frown still darkening her forehead.
"I told you I was not at home." "I know, ma'am, but--" Norris hesitated.
"But what?
I told you I was not to be disturbed.

I _won't_ be disturbed." With a gesture plainly indicative of high-strung nerves, she turned to the table and poured herself out a cup of tea.
The maid glanced behind her towards the door.