Even prejudices may
not be torn up by the roots without stirring the earth around them.
She might have sat musing thus for about an hour; so deep in thought
that she never heard the _portiere_ slowly drawn aside that divided the
room from an ante-chamber. The Tresilyan had her emotions under
tolerable control, and at least was not given to screaming; but she
could hardly repress the startled cry that sprang to her lips when she
raised her eyes.
The reproachful spectre that had haunted her for years--till very
lately, when a stronger influence chased it away--assumed substance of
form and feature, as the dark doorway framed the haggard, pain-stricken
face of Mark Waring.
CHAPTER XX.
It is not very easy to confront, with decorous composure, the sudden
apparition of the person on earth that one would have least liked to
see. All things considered Cecil carried it off creditably, and greeted
her unexpected visitor with sufficient cordiality. Mark took her offered
hand gravely, without eagerness, not holding it an instant longer than
was necessary. Then he spoke--
"They told me I should find you alone.
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