"It is too late for you to expect many calls now," he said, "and if any one comes you can easily be found in the conservatory. I am going to take you there, and let you sit down for a few seconds, at least."
He gave her his arm and carried the cup of coffee with him.
"You will have to drink this yourself," he said. "Have you eaten anything to-day?"
"No," she replied.
"I thought not. And then you are surprised to find your hand trembling. Don't you see what nonsense it is?"
"Yes."
He stepped with her into the tiny conservatory at the end of the room, and gave her a seat behind a substantial palm on a red stand. His eyes never left her face, though he went on talking in the most matter-of-fact tone.
"Drink that coffee," he said, "and then I will bring you a glass of wine and a sandwich."
She put out her hand as if to take the cup, but it fell, shaking, upon her lap.
"I can't," she said.