He was staring at Bob Galvin as though his dim eyes were trying to see the young man’s face more closely.
The old servant turned and left the room.
“I’ll be back later,” declared Bob as he left for the study.
Betty remained in the candlelighted room. Theodore Galvin had always liked candlelight. The dining room had never been equipped with electric lights. Even in the other parts of the house, modern illumination was sparse.
The gloom was oppressive to Betty; but it was not because of the flickering candles alone. She was really disappointed in Bob Galvin, although she had tried to deny that fact.
Bob had greeted her upon her arrival in New York; but there had been something forced about his manner. Somehow, she did not trust him.
Yet, when he had spoken over the telephone the night before, the sincerity of his voice had been impressive. It was only the memory of that conversation that reconciled her to the man who varied so from her expectations.
Hodgson was back. The old man was keen, despite his poor vision. He sensed the melancholy that had come over the girl.
“What’s the matter, Miss Betty?” he asked.
“Nothing, Hodgson.”