He turned and stared at her stupidly. The look was pitiful. She flung herself before him.
"Forgive me, Hornaby! I never thought—I mean, it was all a—"
"Practical joke," suggested Sam.
"No, no. I meant to go, but I have come back. Hornaby, can you forgive me?"
He raised her up, and drew her towards him very tenderly.
"I—I thought it had killed me," he muttered hoarsely. "Emily, I have treated you badly."
Sam discreetly withdrew.