Philip stood still, surprised and puzzled, and a little distressed. It was such a new experience to see Madge nervous and irritable—she who was always so calm and clear-sighted when other people lost their heads—that he did not know what to make of it. And then there was such impatience in the way she had snapped up what he considered a very natural remark for any one who looked at her steadily for a moment. Her eyes had not met his in the usual clear, trustful way: they seemed to avoid his gaze, and she had turned from him as if he annoyed her! Why was she so?
‘I had to wait some time for Mr Beecham, aunt,’ Madge said. Her voice was husky, and unlike any sound Philip had heard her produce before. ‘Then we were talking a long time together, and that is what has made me so late. He says he cannot come this evening. I told him how much you wished him to come, and he said he would have liked very much to do so, but could not.... I am afraid I have caught a cold.... I did my best to get him to come, but he would not.... My head is aching, aunt; I think I shall go up-stairs.’
The dame was now as much surprised as Philip by the curious manner of her niece; but she did not show it. She lifted off the girl’s hat, passed her hand gently over the hot brow, and said soothingly: ‘Yes, child, you had better go up-stairs; and I will come to you in a few minutes. I don’t believe you have changed your boots since the morning. Go up-stairs at once.’
‘I will try and come down again, Philip,’ she said, tenderly touching his arm as she passed, to console him for that little irritability.
‘All right, Madge; I’ll wait,’ he answered cheerfully.
She passed out, and there was a yelping of dogs heard at the same time. In rushed Dash and Rover and Tip, followed by their master.
‘I am as hungry as a hawk, mother, and so are the dogs,’ exclaimed Uncle Dick, after saluting Philip. ‘I can’t wait for anybody.—Sit down, lad, and eat.’
The dame served them, and then quietly left the room.
Philip ate, and heard Uncle Dick speaking as if from a far distance; but all the time he was perpetually asking himself—‘Why is she so?’