"Pretty bad. Have you tried talking to Miss Oldham?"
"I've tried everything and nothing will move her. It's just a kind of stubborn misery that seems to have paralyzed her, mind and body."
The two sat in silence for a moment, then the Professor said:
"Suppose I go down to Queen's to-night and see Miss Oldham? Do you think she could be induced to come down into Mrs. Markham's sitting room and have a talk with me?"
"I should think so. She wouldn't have the courage to decline to see one of the faculty."
"Very well. If she is roused to get up and come down stairs, she may come to her senses. But don't go yet. I have something to tell you, something that doesn't concern Miss Oldham but—er—myself. Do you remember the opera I told you about?"
Molly nodded.
"It's going into rehearsal Christmas week and will open in six weeks. Are you pleased?"
Molly was pleased, of course. She was always glad of other people's good luck.
"How would you like to go to the opening?" he asked.