“Do make way there—how do you expect those ladies to push past you?”
And a courteous helping hand was held out to Mrs. Granton, as any gentleman ought to any lady—especially an old lady.
“Doctor, is that you? What a scramble this is! Now, will you assist my young friend here?”
Then—and not till then, I am positive—he recognised me.
Something has happened to him—something has altered him very much. I felt certain of that on the very first glimpse I caught of his face. It shocked me so that I never said “how d'ye do?” I never even put out my hand. Oh that I had!
He scarcely spoke, and we lost him in the crowd almost immediately.
There was a great confusion of carriages. Colin ran hither and thither, but could not find ours. Some minutes after, we were still out in the bitter night; Mrs. Granton talking to somebody, I standing by myself. I felt very desolate and cold.
“How long have you had that cough?”
I knew who it was, and turned round. We shook hands.
“You had no business out here on such a night. Why did you come?”