Benda first made a few polite remarks, and then said he would accept.
“You liked it then, did you, Eleanore?” asked Daniel, as they walked along the street.
Eleanore was silent. To Daniel her silence was moving. But he soon forgot the impression it made on him; and it was a long, long while, indeed even years, before he recalled this scene.
XI
Jordan had taken Gertrude home. He was very careful not to ask her any questions that would cause her pain. On reaching the house he lighted a lamp and helped her take off her cloak.
“How do you feel?” he asked in a kindly tone, “are you better?”
Gertrude turned to one side, and sat down on a chair.
“Well, we’ll drink a cup of hot tea,” continued the old man; “then my child will go to bed, and to-morrow morning she will be all right again. Yes?”
Gertrude got up. “Father,” she sighed, and felt around for the tea table as a means of support.
“Gertrude, what is the matter?” cried Jordan in dismay.