Suddenly she would have given worlds not to have sung. All kept silence as if they were all guilty. And like a guilty thing, Theria gave the lyre back to the slave and went up the stair.
CHAPTER II
PARENTAL JUSTICE
Theria was gone. Yet in the room the awkward silence held. Then by some hidden sympathy Nikander’s hand beckoned to Dryas and Dryas himself started forward at the same moment.
“I wanted,” faltered Dryas, “oh, I wanted you to be proud.”
“I would have been proud anyway,” said Nikander loyally. Dryas began to sob.
“Son, why did you deceive me? There was no need. I would never have told the judges.”
“I don’t care for the judges. It was you—you!”
With sorrowful affection Nikander kissed him, then went slowly up the stair to Theria’s room.
He found her pacing up and down the narrow place. She was talking aloud.