Insensibly the minutes went by.  Whilst she sat in the waiting-room her train started; and when she had become aware of that, her irresolution grew more tormenting.

Suddenly there came upon her a feeling of illness, of nausea.  Perspiration broke out on her forehead; her eyes dazzled; she had to let her head fall back.  It passed, but in a minute or two the fit again seized her, and with a moan she lost consciousness.

Two or three women who were in the room rendered assistance.  The remarks they exchanged, though expressing uncertainty and discreetly ambiguous, would have been significant to Monica.  On her recovery, which took place in a few moments, she at once started up, and with hurried thanks to those about her, listening to nothing that was said and answering no inquiry, went out on to the platform.  There was just time to catch the train now departing for Herne Hill.

She explained her fainting fit by the hours of agitation through which she had passed.  There was no room for surprise.  She had suffered indescribably, and still suffered.  Her wish was to get back into the quietness of home, to rest and to lose herself in sleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

On entering, she saw nothing of her husband.  His hat hung on the hall-tree, and he was perhaps sitting in the library; the more genial temper would account for his not coming forth at once to meet her, as had been his custom when she returned from an absence alone.

She changed her dress, and disguised as far as was possible the traces of suffering on her features.  Weakness and tremor urged her to lie down, but she could not venture to do this until she had spoken to her husband.  Supporting herself by the banisters, she slowly descended, and opened the library door.  Widdowson was reading a newspaper.  He did not look round, but said carelessly,—­

‘So you are back?’

‘Yes.  I hope you didn’t expect me sooner.’

‘Oh, it’s all right.’  He threw a rapid glance at her over his shoulder.  ‘Had a long talk with Virginia, I suppose?’

‘Yes.  I couldn’t get away before.’

Widdowson seemed to be much interested in some paragraph.  He put his face closer to the paper, and was silent for two or three seconds.  Then he again looked round, this time observing his wife steadily, but with a face that gave no intimation of unusual thoughts.

‘Does she consent to go?’

Monica replied that it was still uncertain; she thought, however, that Virginia’s objections would be overcome.

‘You look very tired,’ remarked the other.

‘I am, very.’

And thereupon she withdrew, unable to command her countenance, scarce able to remain standing for another moment.

CHAPTER XXIV

TRACKED