Dalton followed to support
her. I observed their movements,--Lethal and Adonais using my face as a
mirror of what was passing beyond the curtain.
The masses of level light from the columns on the left seemed to envelope
the stranger, who came toward us from the entrance, as if he had divined
the presence of Honoria in the alcove.
He was about the middle height, Napoleonic in form and bearing, with
features of marble paleness, firm, and sharply defined. His hair and
magnificent Asiatic beard were jetty black, curling, and naturally
disposed. Under his dark and solid brows gleamed large eyes of abysmal
blackness and intensity.
"Is it Lord N----?" whispered Lethal, moved from his habitual coldness by
the astonishment which he read in my face.
"Senator D----, perhaps," suggested Denslow, whose ideas, like his person,
aspired to the senatorial.
"Dumas," hinted Adonais, an admirer of French literature. "I heard he was
expected."
"No," I answered, "but certainly in appearance the most noticeable man
living. Let us go out and be introduced."
"Perhaps," said Lethal, "it is the d----."
All rose instantly at the idea, and we went forward, urged by irresistible
curiosity.
As we drew near the stranger, who was conversing with Honoria and Dalton,
a shudder went through me.
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