"That was before we came into the war," he said. "I've forgotten everything before that."
"You told me then that I shouldn't be able to help anyone——" she began.
"I apologize, Sonia."
"I'm afraid it was true. I can't carry a tray from one room to another. If, in spite of that, I can be of any assistance to you"—he made an almost imperceptible gesture of impatience, but she went on deliberately,—"If I can help you by body or soul in any way—at any time—in any place——"
"It's sufficiently comprehensive, Sonia."
She dropped on one knee and kissed his gloved hand. I had to put my arm round her as we went into the hall, for her eyes were dim with tears, and her whole body trembled. The St. Bernard followed us to the door and looked reproachfully at her as she bent down and pressed kisses on to his broad forehead.
"You've been the devil of a time," O'Rane said irritably, when I returned.
"I couldn't take her through the hall with the tears running down her cheeks," I answered.
He got up and walked to the fireplace, where he stood resting his head on his hand. He was still there twenty minutes later when my uncle came in from the Club.
"Could George give you any dinner?" asked Bertrand.