[IV]
In the reception-room a man was waiting. He was thick-set, with dark hair and eyes and an obstinate chin. He looked up with a doubtful flash as Aunt Jane came in.
"How is she?" he demanded. He had sprung to his feet.
Aunt Jane descended into a creaking chair and folded her hands quietly. "Sit down, Mr. Dalton," she said; "I'm going to tell you all about it."
The words seemed to promise limitless details.
He sat down, chafing a little and looking at her eagerly.
She smiled on him. "Hard work waiting, isn't it?" she said.
His face broke a little.
"Has she come out of it?"