"You are heartily welcome," he said. "Have you dined? Will you take anything?"
"I have dined, and I only want one thing," said Dr. Rumsey.
"Pray name it; I'll ring for it immediately."
"You need not do that, for the person to give it to me is already in the room."
The doctor bowed to Margaret as he spoke.
"I love the 'Moonlight Sonata' beyond all other music," he said. "Will you continue playing it, Mrs. Awdrey? Will you rest a tired physician as well as your husband with your music?"
"With all the pleasure in the world," she replied. She returned at once to her shady corner, and the soothing effects of the sonata once more filled the room. For a short time Awdrey sat upright, forced into attention of others by the fact of Dr. Rumsey's presence, but he soon relaxed the slight effort after self-control, and lay back in his chair once again with his eyes half shut.
Rumsey listened to the music and watched his strange patient at the same time.
Margaret suddenly stopped, almost as abruptly as if she had had a signal. She walked up the room, and stood in the bright circle of light. She looked very lovely, and almost spiritual—her face was pale—her eyes luminous as if lit from within—her pathetic and perfect lips were slightly apart. Rumsey thought her something like an angel who was about to utter a benediction.
"I am going up now to see little Arthur," she said. She glanced at her husband, and left the room.