She smiled again.
Somehow that smile made Jimmy feel very small.
“And go back to bed, dear boy.”
She put out one hand, drew him to her, and gave him a gentle kiss with lips which felt very calm.
“I’m sorry you were worried about me.”
“Oh, that’s all right, mater!” said Jimmy, rather awkwardly. “I didn’t know what to think. You see—”
“Of course you couldn’t guess that I was having my hair brushed. Now go straight to bed, after you’ve told Mr. Leith. I’m coming too in a minute.”
As Jimmy left the room Sonia was again at work with the two hair-brushes.
A moment later Jimmy reappeared at the French window of the drawing-room. Dion lifted his head, but did not move from the place where he was standing close to the fountain.
“It’s all right, Mr. Leith,” said Jimmy. “I’ve found mater.”