Astry smiled. "My dear fellow, I know! Do you think for a moment I'd
speak if it wasn't all in that scurrilous sheet, the Meopilus Journal?"
"I heard there was something, but I never see that paper."
"It seems to me useless to try to conceal it now; but I can't make her
see it so, and of course, personally, I'd rather she didn't. She's got
scruples, you see."
Charter turned and walked across the conservatory twice; he was
blanched and his lips were set. At last he stopped in front of Astry.
"See here, I can't talk of it; she's too fine and sweet and good to be
talked about. If she wants me to go and jump in the river--I'll do it,
but, by God, I'd like to kill him!"
Astry smiled bitterly but said nothing; he only continued to puff
at his cigarette. The pause was awkward and after a little Charter
resumed: "I'd better be going; it's pretty late and--" he stopped short
and turned around.
They had both heard some one trying the conservatory door. It was
nearest the end of the terrace and the first door from the side
entrance to the grounds. Astry flung away his cigarette.
"It's Belhaven," he said dryly. "I knew he must have gone out this way."
He went back and unlocked the door and opened it. There was a piercing
blast of cold air and the lights danced up and down with a weird effect
as some one came in. Charter had turned, too, but he stood still,
aghast.
It was Rachel!
She had thrown on a long fur coat, but she was covered with snow to her
knees and her dark hair had escaped its bonds and was curling in little
wild tendrils about her white face. She did not see him and she stood
leaning against the door, gasping.
"Oh, Johnstone, quick! I was looking out--a long while ago--and I saw a
man come out on the terrace; you know I can see this end of it from my
window. He fell in the snow at the gate. I've been looking for him ever
and ever so long and I can't find him!"
"Good heavens, Rachel, in this snow? You're mad!"
"No, I--" She stopped; she had just seen Charter and she gave a little
cry of joy. "Oh, John--John, I thought it was you!"
He was at her side now and caught hold of her.
"You're half frozen. For heaven's sake, Astry, get some brandy; look at
her, feel of her hands!"
"Oh, I don't care!" she cried again wildly, "you're safe! Oh, John,
I--" She caught the look in Astry's eyes. "Johnstone, who was it?
Who's missing?"
He swung around, averting his face. "No one. I'll see--Charter, take
her into the library."