“I am sorry to say I am obliged to leave you,” he began⁠—“a long drive⁠—a matter that I can’t very well put off. I shall be back in good time tomorrow⁠—but before I go I should like that little business-formality, which I spoke of this morning, to be settled. Laura, will you come into the library? It won’t take a minute⁠—a mere formality. Countess, may I trouble you also? I want you and the Countess, Fosco, to be witnesses to a signature⁠—nothing more. Come in at once and get it over.”

He held the library door open until they had passed in, followed them, and shut it softly.

I remained, for a moment afterwards, standing alone in the hall, with my heart beating fast and my mind misgiving me sadly. Then I went on to the staircase, and ascended slowly to my own room.