The dinner served with such
ceremony was but a scanty banquet--the wines were poor--and Victor
perceived that, in place of the old silver which he had seen on a
previous occasion, Madame Durski's table was furnished with the most
worthless plated ware.
Paulina herself looked pale and haggard. She had the weary air of a
woman who finds life a burden almost too heavy for endurance.
"I have consented to see you this evening, Mr. Carrington, in
accordance with your very pressing message," she said, when she found
herself alone in the drawing-room with Victor Carrington after dinner,
Miss Brewer having discreetly retired; "but I cannot imagine what
business you can have with me."
"Do not question my motives too closely, Madame Durski," said Victor;
"there are some secrets lying deep at the root of every man's
existence. Believe me, when I assure you that I take a real interest in
your welfare, and that I came here to-night in the hope of serving you.
Will you permit me to speak as a friend?"
"I have so few friends that I should be the last to reject any honest
offer of friendship," answered Paulina, with a sigh. "And you are the
friend of Reginald Eversleigh. That fact alone gives you some claim to
my regard."
The widow had admitted Victor Carrington to a more intimate
acquaintance than the rest of her visitors; and it was fully understood
between them that he knew of the attachment between herself and Sir
Reginald.
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