tter? Jim was safe now, the letter was
harmless--as far as he was concerned. But what about Gwen? Was it not
like handing on to her a dose of moral poison?

On the other hand, the poison belonged to Gwen and had been sent to her
by her mother!

The matter could not be settled without more reflection. Perhaps some
definite decision would frame itself during the night; perhaps she would
awake in the morning, knowing exactly what was the best to be done.

She put away the letter again, and again locked the drawer. She was
putting away her keys when the door opened and she heard her maid come
in.

There was something in the way Louise entered and stood at the door that
made Lady Dashwood turn round and look at her. That excellent
Frenchwoman was standing very stiffly, her eyes wide and agitated, and
her features expressive of extreme excitement. She breathed loudly.

"What's the matter?" demanded Lady Dashwood.

"Madame Dashwood was not visible in the drawing-room!" said Louise, and
she tightened her lips after this pronouncement.

"She had gone up to her bedroom?"

"Madame Dashwood is not in her bedroom!" said Louise, with ever
deepening tragedy in her voice.

"Did you look for her in the library?" demanded Lady Dashwood.

"Madame Dashwood is not in the library!" said Louise. She did not move
from her position in front of the door. She stood there looking the
personification of domestic disaster, her chest heaving.

"Mrs. Dashwood isn't ill?" Lady Dashwood felt a sudden pang of fear at
her heart.

"No, Madame!" said Louise.

"Then what is the matter?" demanded Lady Dashwood, sternly. "Don't be a
fool, Louise. Say what has happened!"

"How can I tell Madame? It is indeed unbelievably too sad! I did not see
Madame Dashwood but I heard her voice," began Louise. "Oh, Madame, that
I should have to pronounce such words to you! I open the door of the
drawing-room! It is scarcely at all lighted! No one is visible! I stand
and for a moment I look around me! I hear sounds! I listen again! I hear
the voice of Madame Dashwood! Ah! what surprise! Where is she? She is
hidden behind the great curtains of the window, completely hidden! Why?
And to whom does she speak? Ah, Madame, what frightful surprise, what
shock to hear reply the voice, also behind the curtain, of Monsieur the
Warden! I cannot believe it, it is incredible, but also it is true! I
stop no longer, for shame! I fly, I meet Robinson in the gallery, but I
p