Julian, the little smile still on his lips, watched the comedy. Aunt Jane from across the room regarded it mildly.
The millionaire half rose as if warding off something——
But the dark lady only pressed his hand as it reached out; she lighted on a chair near by and twinkled a little and shone beamingly on him.
Herman Medfield sank back in his chair.
"It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed softly. "And do you know I might have missed you altogether!" She had clasped her hands and was looking at him reproachfully.
"There was a nurse person met me in the hall, and she said you were not here—that it was all a mistake in the name!" She spread her hands dramatically; the jets twinkled fast like little eyes all over her.... "She said you weren't here—that they'd got the wrong name!... Then this good woman—" The little jewels on her hands glinted at Aunt Jane lightly. "This good woman met me—or I shouldn't have got in at all!"
Herman Medfield cast a glance of due appreciation at "this good woman." Her face was expressionless and cheerful; she was regarding the widow with uncritical eyes.
"It was very good in her, I am sure," murmured Herman Medfield.
"Wasn't it!... I've quite been dying to see you, you know!" She leaned toward him a little and sparkled for him.
"I think I must have been dying to see you," responded the millionaire politely. "Though they told me I was doing very well." He said it reflectively, leaning back in his chair and smiling at her.