Against her own sense of conventional decorum, against her father's shocked unhappiness, relief sprang to life within her at the thought that the miracle might yet take place, the writing of the years might be erased, the irrevocable revoked.
XXI
A certain grave, curt manner and lengthening of face had always been half unconsciously displayed by Nicholas when perturbed or out of temper.
Lily, latterly sharply critical, had interpreted such signs into a desire to be questioned. She half expected to see them now, and at the anticipation a most inappropriately trivial irritation possessed her.
Instead, Nicholas faced her with pitiful, tired eyes and a haggard face.
"Do you know, Lily, or have I got to tell you?" he asked her instantly.
And, also instantly, she replied:
"I know already."
"Thank God for that. I thought perhaps you did, when I got your telegram asking me to come."