THE TWILIGHT OF THE SOULS
277
shaking hands with Van der Welcke. "Constance!" he cried. "Constance! . . ."
She did not answer.
"Constance!" Gerrit called once more.
The kitchen-door was open.
"The mistress is in the drawing-room, sir," said the servant.
"Constance . . ."
He opened the door. But the door stuck, as though pushing against a body.
"What the devil! . . ." Gerrit began, in consternation.
They rushed in through the dining-room: Van der Welcke, Gerrit, the maid. Constance was lying against the door in a dead faint, with the telegram crumpled in her clenched hand:
"Paris. . . .
"Henri dead. Am in despair.
"Emilie."
