But the journey ended at last—though that was little relief with the task I had before me still unaccomplished.
A bulbous functionary took my card to Lorrimer when I presented myself at the Great Hospital next day, and returning presently informed me that Mr. Lorrimer was disengaged, and would see me at once, if I would be so good as to come this way. How familiar the whole proceeding seemed! And how well I knew the place! the soothing silence, the massive grandeur, the long, dimly lighted gallery to the right, the door at which the servant stopped and knocked, the man who opened it, and met my eyes fearlessly, bowing with natural grace, and bidding me enter—a tall, fair man; self-contained and dignified; cold, pale, and unimpassioned—so I thought—but my equal in every way: the man who was "all the world" to Ideala.
When I saw him I understood.
* * * * *
Lorrimer, after dismissing his secretary, was the first to speak.
"You come to me from Ideala?" he said. "Is there anything wrong? Is she ill?"
And I fancied he turned a trifle paler as the fear flashed through his mind.
I reassured him. "Physically she is better," I said.
"But mentally?" he interposed. "You give her no peace."
I was silent.