When, the next instant, the room was flooded with light, Anstice had no scruples in looking at his patient with an interest which, though less openly expressed, was quite as strong as that with which she evidently intended to scrutinize him.
The first thing he noticed was that Mrs. Carstairs was young--probably not more than twenty-five. The next, that she looked as though she had recently gone through some nerve-racking experience; and the last, which came upon him with a shock of unjustifiable surprise, that she was more than commonly good-looking.
Her features, as he saw for the first time, were classical in outline, and the silky black hair which lay in heavy waves on her forehead shaded a brow which in contour was almost purely Greek. Her skin was of so thin and transparent a whiteness that her black eyebrows traced two inky lines across her face; and the almond shape of her sapphire blue eyes gave them a somewhat Oriental look, in spite of their eminently Western colouring.
When, in response to his stare, she vouchsafed a faint smile, he saw that the mouth which was sad in repose was fascinating when she smiled; and the white teeth which the smile displayed were perfect in shape and colour.
"Well?" Her deep voice took him so much aback that he absolutely started. "You've seen me--haggard wreck that I am--and I've seen you. So now we may consider our acquaintance inaugurated and say good-night."
"Certainly." He looked at her closely; and noted her extreme pallor. "I hope you will sleep--you look shockingly tired."
"I told you I was a wreck," she said, still with that inscrutable smile. "But if you will take me in hand I have no doubt I shall soon recover my ordinary rude health."
"I hope so." His tone was absent--he was wondering whether he had ever seen this woman before; and coming, finally, to the conclusion that he had not. "Well, I will leave you now, and hope to find you a great deal better in the morning."
"Thanks." She spoke wearily. "I'm sorry to have troubled you. Good-night."
In the hall the manservant waited, and Anstice, pitying his evident anxiety, spoke reassuringly to him as he took his coat. "Your mistress is much better now--with a little care she will soon be all right, I hope."
"Thank you, sir." The man's voice quivered with feeling. "We--we are all very anxious when our lady is not well."
"Of course." Anstice took the hat the servant held and moved to the door. "Is that nine striking? I didn't know it was so late."