At this unexpected question Hilary walked over to the fireplace.
“No,” he said at last; “I am afraid she is not.”
“Why?”
Hilary was silent; then, facing the old man, he said:
“I think she will be glad, for certain reasons, if I go away for a time.”
“When are you going?” asked Mr. Stone.
“As soon as I can.”
Mr. Stone's eyes, wistfully bright, seemed trying to see through heavy fog.
“She came to me, I think,” he said; “I seem to recollect her crying. You are good to her?”
“I have tried to be,” said Hilary.