This fond response to him was the greatest recompense the change in their lives had brought to Gaston. It warmed the lonely places of his heart.
It was a jovial meal that followed. Gaston was hungry, the food was excellent, and Joyce glowed and beamed in the atmosphere of regained trust.
It was, though, a fleeting peace. When the dishes were removed, Gaston noticed how tired she looked.
"Happy?" he asked, with a laugh.
"Perfectly." Joyce was filling his pipe.
"Perfectly nothing!" he exclaimed, drawing her down to the arm of his chair. "Now own up, my lady, what have you been doing?"
Gaston expected a rehearsal of daily tasks, more energetically performed, perhaps, than was necessary.
"I went to see Mr. Drew." The smile fled from Gaston's face. So it was not housework!
"How is the young D. D.?"
"He looks very ill, but they say he is getting better."