She was suddenly afraid that by some terrible mischance he had discovered who she was.
“What I have to tell you,” the Earl said quietly, “is that, when Mr. Archer was called this morning by the footman who was valeting him, it was found that he had died in the night.”
For a moment it was impossible for Ilouka to take in what the Earl had just said.
Then she exclaimed,
“What are you – saying? It – cannot be – true!”
“I am afraid it is,” the Earl replied. “After all he was I think a very old man. Perhaps he suffered from heart trouble and was not aware of it, but I think it will be some consolation for you to know that he died with a smile on his lips.”
“I really cannot – believe it!” Ilouka said. “He was so happy to – come here and so very – happy that you had asked him to stay – anot
