Standing there by Mrs. Quelton’s empty chair, she waited for him to return, a cold and terrible anger rising in her. She heard his step in the hall, heavy and deliberate,[Pg 347] and presently he reëntered the room and came toward her, his blank, dull eyes fixed upon nothing. She was quite certain that he wanted to put her out of his way, and that he had no scruple whatever as to methods; yet for all her youth and inexperience, her utter loneliness, she felt that she was a match for him.
“So you’ve come back to us, Miss Moran,” he said in his lifeless voice. “I was afraid you might not.”
“Oh, but why not?” Lexy inquired in a brisk and cheerful tone. “I like to come here!”
A curious thrill of exultation ran through her, for she saw on the doctor’s face the faintest shadow of a frown. He was perplexed! She baffled him, and he didn’t know whether she understood what had happened.
“It is a great pleasure to Mrs. Quelton and myself,” he said politely. Then he raised his eyes and looked directly at her. “Perhaps,” he went on, “you would be kind enough to spend a week here with us some time? Although I’m afraid you might find it very dull.”
“Oh, no!” Lexy assured him. “I’d love to come—whenever it’s convenient for you.”
They were still looking directly into each other’s eyes.
“Suppose we say to-morrow?” suggested Dr. Quelton.
“Thank you!” said Lexy. “I’ll come to-morrow!”