"I hardly expected you to bring home company—" she began.
"I'm sure it was as much a surprise to me—"
"I'm sorry, Frank, but I had to see you—Vixley was here after you left."
He groaned with the pain his ankle gave him and she flew to him and knelt before his chair.
"Oh, Frank, I'm so sorry. What can I do for you? First, let me take off your shoe and attend to your foot. I can run out and get something to put on it. It was awkward, my being here—but I don't mind on my own account, so much. If it embarrassed you, forgive me."
"It's worse than that," he said.
"You mean—that you care for her?"
"I don't know what I do mean—but you'll have to go."
She looked up at him for a moment, searching his drawn face.
"I will, just as soon as I've bound up your ankle and got your couch ready. It won't take long."