The sudden intrusion of his wife upon his career now, even in this accidental and perhaps innocent way, had seriously unsettled him.
The shadows were growing heavier and deeper, it lacked only a few moments of the sunset bugle, when he was recalled to himself by that singular instinctive consciousness, common to humanity, of being intently looked at.

He turned quickly,--the door behind him closed softly.

He rose and slipped into the hall.

The tall figure of a woman was going down the passage.

She was erect and graceful; but, as she turned towards the door leading to the offices, he distinctly saw the gaudily turbaned head and black silhouette of a negress.