“He’s a queer fellow,” said Tom, “a queer fellow! There’s no denying that.”
That this was true was proven by his conduct during the time in which it was liable to public comment. Until night he was not seen, and then he came in at a late hour and, walking in silence through the roomful of watchers, shut himself up in an inner chamber and remained there alone.
“He’s takin’ it mighty hard,” they said. “Seems like it’s kinder onsettled his mind. He hain’t never looked at the child once.”
He did not appear at all the next day until all was ready and Tom De Willoughby went to him.
He found him lying on the bed, his haggard face turned towards the window. He did not move until Tom touched him on the shoulder.
“If you want to see her——” he said.
He started and shuddered.
“What, so soon?” he said. “So soon?”
“Now,” Tom answered. “Get up and come with me.”
He obeyed, following him mechanically, but when they reached the door, Tom stopped him.