He could hear some one passing heavily down the hall; but neither was his call answered nor the knock repeated.
He sat up, still listening intently, until, when the heavy tread was gone, he heard again the distinctly agitated tap at his door. He sprang to open it then; and, as he peered out, he recognized the little English maid whom Mrs. Varris had engaged at Southampton and who had been travelling with her since.
As Preston started back in his surprise, she glanced quickly up and down the now empty hall and thrust a note toward him hurriedly.
"The Miss told me not to be seen," she murmured, and was gone.
"The Miss?" Preston repeated foolishly, staring stupidly at the note he found in his hand.
He closed the door quickly and, as the envelope was not addressed, he tore it open at once and read the few lines in Miss Varris's writing—her writing, which he saw now for the first time.
87
