She stopped to speak to the manager of the
hotel, who knew her from her visits to the world-famous restaurant,
and she asked at once for Sir Wingrave Seton. Then she saw Aynesworth,
and crossed the hall with outstretched hand.
"How nice of you to be here," she murmured. "Can you take me to Sir
Wingrave at once? I have such a busy afternoon that I was afraid at
the last moment that I should be unable to come!"
Aynesworth led her towards the lift.
"Sir Wingrave is in his sitting room," he remarked. "It is only on the
first floor."
She directed her maid where to wait, and followed him. On the way down
the corridor, he stole a glance at her. She was a little pale, and he
could see that she had nerved herself to this interview with a great
effort. As he knocked at the door, her great eyes were raised for a
moment to his, and they were like the eyes of a frightened child.
"I am afraid!" she murmured.
There was no time for more. They were in the room, and Wingrave had
risen to meet them. Lady Ruth did not hesitate for a moment. She
crossed the room towards him with outstretched hands. Aynesworth, who
was standing a little on one side, watched their meeting with intense,
though covert interest. She had pushed back her veil, her head was a
little upraised in a mute gesture of appeal.
She was pale to the lips, but her eyes were soft with hidden tears.
Wingrave stood stonily silent, like a figure of fate.
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