Chapter Nine
I COME FACE TO FACE WITH THE FUTURE
I opened my eyes, and there was Helen smiling at me—not in mediaeval dress this time, but with a bunch of glowing violets at her belt. How curious for her to come to the laboratory at night! I looked about: there was Knowlton sitting near with the cheerfulest of grins on his face, and Mr. Claybourne too. What was happening? I made an effort, as I realized I had something of importance to tell Knowlton.
"The Texas formula—" words seemed strangely difficult to say—"Prospero has it. It's in the blue bottle with the rubber, cork—"
"Hush, dear," I heard Helen say, "you mustn't try to talk just yet," and she patted my pillow, kissed me, and gave me something cool to drink. I looked blankly about, but the room was quite dark—I was in bed!
"Isn't this the laboratory?" I asked helplessly. My head ached and whirled; my thoughts refused to work at this new problem.
"No, dearest," Helen's gentle voice said, "you are at home—with me."
"Home?" I wrestled vaguely with this idea. Where was home?—with me?
"At my house, Ted, dear—here in Deep Harbor," Helen whispered, her lips brushing my cheek.
"Your knee—you mustn't stand," I faltered, some recollection fighting through the chaos in my head.