"It is Miss Fentolin who is just arriving," the doctor announced.
"I saw the car coming as I crossed the hall."

Mr. Fentolin nodded gently.

"Indeed?" he replied. "Indeed? So my dear niece has returned.
Open the door, friend Sarson. Open the door, if you please. She
will be anxious to see me. We must summon her."




CHAPTER X

Mr. Fentolin raised to his lips the little gold whistle which hung
from his neck and blew it. He seemed to devote very little effort
to the operation, yet the strength of the note was wonderful. As
the echoes died away, he let it fall by his side and waited with
a pleased smile upon his lips. In a few seconds there was the
hurried flutter of skirts and the sound of footsteps. The girl who
had just completed her railway journey entered, followed by her
brother. They were both a little out of breath, they both
approached the chair without a smile, the girl in advance, with a
certain expression of apprehension in her eyes. Mr. Fentolin sighed.
He appeared to notice these things and regret them.

"My child," he said, holding out his hands, "my dear Esther, welcome
home again! I heard the car outside. I am grieved that you did not
at once hurry to my side."