But as I advanced, I caught sight of my uncle, and went
boldly to meet the enemy. He had come down his stair, and had just
stepped into a clear blaze of light, which that moment burst from the
wood I had some time ago laid damp upon the fire. The next instant I saw
the lady's countenance ghastly with terror, looking beyond me. I turned,
but saw nothing, save that my uncle had disappeared. When I faced her
again, only a shadow of her fright remained. I offered her my hand--for
she was John's mother, but she did not take it. She stood scanning me
from head to foot.
"I am lady Cairnedge," she said. "Where is my son?"
I turned yet again. My uncle had not come back. I was not prepared to
take his part. I was bewildered. A dead silence fell. For the first time
in my life, my uncle seemed to have deserted me, and at the moment when
most I needed him! I turned once more to the lady, and said, hardly
knowing what,
"You wish to see Mr. Day?"
She answered me with a cold stare.
"I will go and tell him you are here," I faltered; and passing her, I
sped along the passage to the drawing-room.
"John!" I cried, bursting in, "she's come! Do you still mean to see her?
Are you able? Uncle--"
There I stopped, for his eyes were stern, and not looking at me, but at
something behind me. One moment I thought his fever had returned, but
following his gaze I looked round:--there stood lady Cairnedge! John was
face to face with his mother, and my uncle was not there to defend him!
"Are you ready?" she said, nor pretended greeting.
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