"You're a good friend," he said. "I shall come on you again, if I want you, you know." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"I don't know that I care much about anything except you two," stammered Mina.
He gripped her hand again. She seemed well paid. He held out his hand to Cecily. Mina understood.
"I shall be up a little while, Cecily. Come to me before you go to bed," she said; and she stood in the hall, watching them as they walked out together. There was joy in her heart—ay, and envy. The two brought tears to her eyes and struggled which should make the better claim to them. "But they do like me!" she said in a plaintive yet glad little cry, as she was left alone in the silent old hall.
So still was the night that a man might hear the voice of his heart and a girl the throb of hers. And they were alone; or only the friendly murmur of old
Blent was with them, seeming to whisper congratulations on their joy. Her arm was through his, very white on his sleeve, and she leant on him heavily.
"After tempests, dear," said he.
"There shall be no more, no more, Harry."
"Oh, I don't know that. I shall like you in them perhaps. And there may be one more, anyhow."
"You're laughing, Harry?"