Bailey,
is indisposed. A moment ago, to our deep concern, she found herself quite
faint--no doubt from the heat. I will conduct you, gentlemen, into the
drawing-room; my wife and Mrs. Bailey will join us there in a minute,"
and only then did he move back sufficiently to allow the two men to cross
the threshold.
Paul de Virieu opened his lips--but no sound came from them. The sudden
sense of relief from what had been agonised suspense gripped him by the
throat.
He brushed past Wachner, and made straight for the door behind which he
felt sure of finding the woman whom some instinct told him he had saved
from a terrible fate....
He turned the handle of the dining-room door, and then stopped short, for
he was amazed at the sight which met his eyes.
Sylvia was sitting at a round table; behind her was the buffet, still
laden with the remains of a simple meal. Her face was hidden in her
hands, and she was trembling--shaking as though she had the ague.
But what amazed Paul de Virieu was the sight of Sylvia's hostess. Madame
Wachner was crawling about on her hands and knees on the floor, and she
remained in the same odd position when the dining-room door opened.
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