Lewis felt for a moment as he used to under his father’s glance. Marriage and millions had given the moon-faced Sarah something of the Raycie awfulness; but her brother looked into her empty eyes, and his own kept their level.
“Well, Lewis,” said Mrs. Huzzard with a simpering sternness, and caught her breath.
“Well, Sarah Anne—I’m happy that you’ve come to take a look at my pictures.”
“I’ve come to see you and your wife.” She gave another nervous gasp, shook out her flounces, and added in a rush: “And to ask you how much longer this ... this spectacle is to continue....”
“The exhibition?” Lewis smiled. She signed a flushed assent.
“Well, there has been a considerable falling-off lately in the number of visitors——”
“Thank heaven!” she interjected.
“But as long as I feel that any one wishes to come ... I shall be here ... to open the door, as you see.”
She sent a shuddering glance about her. “Lewis—I wonder if you realize ...?”