"Don't stop me! I must see him. I know he is here." "But you can't, you know. Here, Edward!" It was one of the servants who called, but he was too late; the strange visitor had already reached the landing as Sir Hampton hurried down, aghast at such a daring interruption. At that moment the woman uttered a cry of joy, and darted towards where Vanleigh stood with his companion. "Oh, Arthur!" she cried, "they would not bring a message. I was obliged to force my way in." "Who is this madwoman?" cried Vanleigh, turning of a waxy pallor, while Tiny clung to the balustrade for support. "Yes; mad--almost!" cried the woman, with a piteous cry. "But come-- come at once! She is praying to see you once more. Arthur, Arthur," she panted, sinking at his knees, and clasping them, "for God's sake, come--our darling is on the point of death!" "Who is this woman? Er-rum--Edward--James!" cried Sir Hampton, "where are the police?" "Don't touch me!" cried the unwelcome visitor, starting to her feet; and her words came panting from her breast. "Quiet, Arthur, or it's too late! Sir," she cried, turning to Sir Hampton, whose hand was on her arm, "I am Captain Vanleigh's wife!" Volume 3, Chapter XVI. TOO LATE. Frank Pratt, the successful barrister, saw a portion of the scene from the pavement outside, where he formed one of the little crowd by the awning. He had been restlessly walking up and down, watching the lights and shadows on the blinds. He had gazed in at the open door at what seemed to him a paradise, as he heard the music and hum of conversation, scented the fragrance from flower and perfumes that floated out, and then called himself a miserable little beggar. "Never mind," he said at last, lighting his pipe, and looking longingly at one of the tall obelisks by the door of a neighbouring mansion, and thinking what a capital perch it would make for him to sit and look on from--"never mind, bless her, she'll snub them like fun." He felt better then, and saw Sir Felix and Vanleigh go up the carpeted steps without a pang. Ten times over he made up his mind to go and have a quiet little tavern supper, and then to his chambers and read; but he could not tear himself away; and so it was that he saw the arrival of the uninvited guest, and in the confusion that ensued witnessed something of what followed, standing aside to let Vanleigh come hurrying out, holding his neglected wife by the hand, furious, and yet too horror-stricken and remorseful to speak to her. "A cab!" he shouted; and a minute after they entered, and the shabby screw was whipped into a gallop, and going in the direction of Pentonville.