He stood silent, wondering what precisely she might mean, and thus in silence they continued for a spell.

Then slowly she turned and the blaze of light from the windows fell about her irradiantly.
She was rather pale, and her eyes were of a suspiciously excessive brightness.

And again she made use of the phrase: "Una will be waiting for you." Yet, as before, he stood silent and immovable, considering her, questioning himself, searching her face and his own soul.

All he saw was that rope of shimmering pearls.
"And after all, as yourself suggested, it is possible that others may be waiting for me," she added presently.
Instantly he was crestfallen and contrite.

"I sincerely beg your pardon, Miss Armytage," and with a pang of which his imperturbable exterior gave no hint he proffered her his arm.
She took it, barely touching it with her finger-tips, and they re-entered the ante-room.
"When do you think that you will be leaving ?" he asked her gently.
There was a note of harshness in the voice that answered him.
"I don't know yet.