“Oh! Yes. Thank you.”
“Miss Fox, something must be wrong. May I help you?”
“No. Really, no. That is, not bad wrong, yet,” she stammered. “Only he promised to be home, and––well, he isn’t.”
“The Captain will be back soon. He asked me to entertain you till his return. I fear I’m not doing it very well.”
“Indeed, you are. That is, I guess you are. Is the Captain far away?”
“He took Miss Pipkin over to Miss Splinter’s. Miss Splinter is very ill. Won’t you be seated?”
“Yes, thank you. No, I think I’ll stand. Dear me! What can be the matter with me? I’m acting quite stupid and silly, am I not?”
She tried to laugh, but her dry throat gave a cracked sound. Mr. McGowan noticed, and did not complete the smile that was beginning to form about his own lips.
“Really, I think I’ll be going, and come 334 back again. I feel so very queerly, and––uncomfortable with––with–––”
“With me in the room?” he finished with a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I’ll step into my study. If you need anything, please call.”