‘I trust him,’ she told herself, ‘even while I am afraid of him.’
Vivian was dozing fitfully when a footfall and a sharp knock on her door awakened her instantly and so she sprang from the bed and opened the door. The Lama outside beckoned her and she followed him, her heart thumping as she moved swiftly down the corridor to a door where Alec stood waiting.
Vivian held out both her hands to him in a spontaneous gesture of gladness and relief.
“Oh, my dear!” she said and he drew her into a room.
On a raised mattress she saw her father lying, attended by two Lamas, his face pale and drawn on the pillows that supported him.
“Daddy,” she cried with a little choking sob and ran forward.
She fell on her knees beside him and then took his hand in hers. Slowly his eyes opened and rested cont
