Lady Dunstane said she would write.  She delayed, thinking the accident might not be serious; and the information of it to Diana surely would be so.  Next day at noon her visitor was Lady Wathin, evidently perturbed and anxious to say more than she dared:  but she received no assistance.  After beating the air in every direction, especially dwelling on the fond reciprocal affection of the two devoted lovers, to be united within three days’ time, Lady Wathin said at last:  ’And is it not shocking!  I talk of a marriage and am appalled by a death.  That poor man died last night in the hospital.  I mean poor Mr. Warwick.  He was recovering, getting strong and well, and he was knocked down at a street-crossing and died last night.  It is a warning to us!’

’Mr. Redworth happened to hear of it at his Club, near which the accident occurred, and he called at the hospital.  Mr. Warwick was then alive,’ said Lady Dunstane; adding:  ’Well, if prevention is better than cure, as we hear!  Accidents are the specific for averting the maladies of age, which are a certain crop!’

Lady Wathin’s eyelids worked and her lips shut fast at the cold-hearted remark void of meaning.

She sighed.  ‘So ends a life of misery, my dear!’

‘You are compassionate.’

’I hope so.  But . . .  Indeed I must speak, if you will let me.  I think of the living.’

Lady Dunstane widened her eyes.  ‘Of Mrs. Warwick?’

’She has now the freedom she desired.  I think of others.  Forgive me, but Constance Asper is to me as a daughter.  I have perhaps no grounds for any apprehension.  Love so ardent, so sincere, was never shown by bridegroom elect:  and it is not extraordinary to those acquainted with dear Constance.  But—­one may be a worshipped saint and experience defection.  The terrible stories one hears of a power of fascination almost . . . !’ Lady Wathin hung for the word.

‘Infernal,’ said Lady Dunstane, whose brows had been bent inquiringly.  ’Have no fear.  The freedom you allude to will not be used to interfere with any entertainment in prospect.  It was freedom my friend desired.  Now that her jewel is restored to her, she is not the person to throw it away, be sure.  And pray, drop the subject.’

‘One may rely . . . you think?’

‘Oh!  Oh!’

‘This release coming just before the wedding . . . !’

’I should hardly suppose the man to be the puppet you depict, or indicate.’

’It is because men—­so many—­are not puppets that one is conscious of alarm.’

‘Your previous remark,’ said Lady Dunstane, ’sounded superstitious.  Your present one has an antipodal basis.  But, as for your alarm, check it:  and spare me further.  My friend has acknowledged powers.  Considering that, she does not use them, you should learn to respect her.’

Lady Wathin bowed stiffly.  She refused to partake of lunch, having, she said, satisfied her conscience by the performance of a duty and arranged with her flyman to catch a train.  Her cousin Lady Dunstane smiled loftily at everything she uttered, and she felt that if a woman like this Mrs. Warwick could put division between blood-relatives, she could do worse, and was to be dreaded up to the hour of the nuptials.