You are going to become once more a rescuer of woman in distress.
You are going to save the life of your beautiful friend
Elizabeth."
CHAPTER XXIV
CLOSE TO TRAGEDY
The actual words of greeting which passed between Elizabeth and
the man whose advent had caused her so much emotion were
unimpressive. The newcomer, with the tips of his fingers resting
upon the tablecloth, leaned slightly towards her. At close
quarters, he was even more unattractive than when Tavernake had
first seen him. He was faultily shaped; there was something a
little decadent about his deep-set eyes and receding forehead.
Neither was his expression prepossessing. He looked at her as a
man looks upon the thing he hates.
"So, Elizabeth," he said, "this pleasure has come at last!"
"I heard that you were back in England," she replied. "Pray sit
down."
Even then her eyes never left his. All the time they seemed to
be fiercely questioning, seeking for something in his features
which eluded them. It was terrible to see the change which the
last few minutes had wrought in her. Her smooth, girlish face
had lost its comeliness. Her eyes, always a little narrow,
seemed to have receded. It was such a change, this, as comes to
a brave man who, in the prime of life, feels fear for the first
time.
"I am glad to find you at supper," he declared, taking up the
menu. "I am hungry. You can bring me some grilled cutlets at
once," he added to the waiter who stood by his side, "and some
brandy.
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