He felt cramped and confused in mind and
muscle. He stood for a second to straighten his limbs; then
he turned, and, moving directly forward, passed through the
portiere.
After the dimness of the pavilion the conservatory seemed
comparatively bright; but without waiting to grow accustomed
to the altered light he moved onward with deliberate haste.
The long, green alley, was speedily traversed; in his eyes it
no longer possessed greenness, no longer suggested freshness
or repose. It was simply a means to the end upon which his
mind was set.
As he passed up the flight of steps he drew his rings from his
pocket and slipped them on again. Then he stepped into the
glare of the thronged corridor.
Some one hailed him as be passed through the crowd, but with
Chilcote's most absorbed manner he hurried on. Through the
door of the supper-room he caught sight of Blessington and
Eve, and then for the first time his expression changed, and
he turned directly towards them.
"Eve," he said, "will you excuse me? I have a word to say to
Blessington.
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