Barnes noted that Miss Van Patten had a personality which asserted itself even in the dark. Though he could see nothing of her more than an outline, he was able to follow every expression. This made it easier to understand how the blind father gave himself up completely to that other illusion.
“Will you ring for a light, Eleanor?” requested Aunt Philomela.
“The dark is very restful,” hazarded Barnes.
He rather enjoyed the situation. It gave his imagination freer play.
“The dark may keep us all in better countenance,” assented the aunt tartly.
“You left him happy? He suspected nothing?” inquired Miss Van Patten, eagerly.
“I left him asleep,” answered Barnes.
“Oh, that’s good. He hasn’t slept at night.”
“He has worried a great deal?”
“It’s been enough to break one’s heart to hear him call for Joe night after night in the dark.”