it has
been an attack of depression--perhaps--perhaps melancholia. He has had
great misfortunes and disappointments. Unfortunately, my father and I
were abroad, and did not understand. But, thank God!'--she clasped her
hands involuntarily--'I got home yesterday--I went to see him--just in
time--'

She paused, looking at her companion as though she asked for the
understanding which would save her further words. But Miss Anna sat
puzzled and cold.

'Just in time?' she repeated.

'I didn't understand at first,' said Eugenie, with emotion; 'I only
saw that he was ill and terribly broken. But he has told me since--in
a letter I got just before I started. And I want you to advise me--to
tell me whether you think Mrs. Fenwick should know--'

'Know what?' cried Miss Anna.

Madame de Pastourelles bent forward again, and said a few words under
her breath.

Anna Mason recoiled.

'Horrible!' she said; 'and--and so cowardly! So like a man!'

Eugenie could not help a tremulous smile; then she resumed:

'The picture had come--just come. It was that which saved him. Ah,
yes'--the smile flashed out again--'I had forgotten! Of course Mrs.
Fenwick must know! It was the picture--it was _she_ that _saved_
him. But your note, by some strange accident, had escaped him. It had
fallen out, among some other papers on the floor--and he was nearly
beside himself with disappointment. I was lucky enough to find it and
give it him. But oh! it was pitiful to see him.'

She shaded her eyes with her hand a moment, waiting for composure.
Miss Anna watched her, the strong mouth softening unconsciously.

'And so, when he asked me to come and see his wife first--to tell
her about his troubles and his breakdown--I felt as if I could not
refuse--though, of course, I know'--she looked up appealingly--'it may
well seem strange and intrusive to Mrs. Fenwick. But perhaps when
she understands how we have all been searching for her these many
months--'

'Searching!' exclaimed Miss Anna. 'Who has been searching?'

Her question arrested her companion. Eugenie drew herself more erect,
collecting her thoughts.

'Shall we face the facts as they are?' she said at last, quietly. 'I
can tell you very shortly how the case stands.'

Miss Anna half-rose, looked at the door, sat down again.

'Mrs. Fenwick, you understand, may return at any time!'

'I will be very short. We must consult--mustn't we?--for them both?'

Timidly, her eyes upraised to the vi