I will have a few words with him in private." He led her gently
towards the door, and with pale face and trembling heart, Lady Constance
re-entered the ball-room she had left so happily, seating herself near
the entrance in one of the many alcoves. She was overcome by a nameless
fear, and that horrible feeling of utter helplessness which overwhelms
one as in a heavy cloud, and darkens the horizon for us all when weighed
down by suspense.
Suddenly she determined to seek Lord Barminster, and had risen to do so,
when she heard not only the voices of Adrien and Vermont, but another
also, a strange one, talking not loudly but very sternly. Hardly knowing
what to do, she was about to return to the terrace to ascertain what was
happening, when fortunately her uncle approached with Mortimer Shelton.
She went quickly to meet them, and told them her fears.
Much surprised, both Lord Barminster and Mr. Shelton accompanied her;
and they found the voices were issuing from one of the small anterooms
adjoining the terrace. Within this room, which was far removed from
where the dancing was going on, they discovered Adrien Leroy, unmasked
and very pale, staring at a blue paper which had evidently been given to
him by the man standing at his side--an inspector of police.
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