Toni, who was sitting staring out the window onto the garden, gave a little cry and sprang to her feet.
“You are here! Oh, Latonia, thank God you are here!”
She ran across the room as she spoke and flung her arms round her cousin. She clung to her as she had done when they were children, when if something was wrong they could find consolation only in each other’s arms.
“I came as soon as I received your note,” Latonia said. “What has happened?”
“I can hardly bear to tell you,” Toni answered.
To Latonia’s surprise, her voice sounded hoarse and at the same time frightened.
“You are upset – really upset,” Latonia said in surprise. “What can have occurred? It is not – the Marquis?”
“No, no, of course not,” Toni answered quickly.
Latonia felt relief sweep over her.
“I was afraid – desp
