At first she had not noticed this--there being
nothing in its colour which would lead a casual observer to think he
was looking on anything but a real countenance.
He must have seen her start of dismay at the unexpectedness of his
appearance, for he said hastily: 'I did not mean to come in to you
like this--I thought you would have been in bed. How good you are,
dear Barbara!' He put his arm round her, but he did not attempt to
kiss her.
'O Edmond--it IS you?--it must be?' she said, with clasped hands,
for though his figure and movement were almost enough to prove it,
and the tones were not unlike the old tones, the enunciation was so
altered as to seem that of a stranger.
'I am covered like this to hide myself from the curious eyes of the
inn-servants and others,' he said, in a low voice. 'I will send
back the carriage and join you in a moment.'
'You are quite alone?'
'Quite. My companion stopped at Southampton.'
The wheels of the post-chaise rolled away as she entered the dining-
room, where the supper was spread; and presently he rejoined her
there. He had removed his cloak and hat, but the mask was still
retained; and she could now see that it was of special make, of some
flexible material like silk, coloured so as to represent flesh; it
joined naturally to the front hair, and was otherwise cleverly
executed.
'Barbara--you look ill,' he said, removing his glove, and taking her
hand.
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