Next day, just as I rose from Mrs Gilbert's luncheon table and was
about to enjoy a pipe in Sammy's den--he being away at the club--
visitors were announced.
It was Lucie, flushed and agitated, and with her was Ella, who, the
instant the door of the little sitting-room was closed, fell upon my
neck, and without a word burst into a passion of tears.
"What does this mean?" I asked of Lucie, utterly taken aback.
"This will explain it." And she drew out a green evening newspaper, one
of those editions published at eleven o'clock in the morning. "Read for
yourself," she added, pointing to a bold headline.