She lifted a quivering face. "Jake, thank you for coming! I--I hardly thought you could have got here so soon."
He drew her to him and kissed her. "You've been wanting me?" he said.
She nodded. "I sent for you, yes. I--I didn't feel as if I could--face it all--by myself."
His hold was warm, full of sustaining strength. "You'll have to tell me what has happened," he said. "I didn't get your message."
"You didn't?" She looked momentarily startled. "Then why are you here?"
"I came--" he hesitated, glanced over his shoulder. "Bunny's here too," he said.
"Thought we'd just look you up," said Bunny, emerging from the background, "Hullo, Maud! What's the matter? Is the old man ill?"
She turned to greet him. "He died yesterday," she said.
"Great Scott!" said Bunny.
Jake said nothing. He was watching her closely, closely.