“You know she may be a lot worse than they say. I have no idea that they would go into detail even if it were a serious matter, and mother herself would be the last person in the world to expect information of that sort from.”
The eventful night came. I was late, having been detained at my office, and the first act was ended when I reached the theater, but I was in time to see Gavan bow his thanks to those in front from the stage. This I saw through the blur of lights and the mist that swam before my eyes.
The curtain had gone down on the last act when I made my way around back and joined him.
“Come,” he said, as I took his hand. “Come, let's go home. I am tired—and I am satisfied.”
He was silent until we reached his door.
“Come in,—don't leave me yet.”
And I followed him up to his room.
He had again relapsed into silence, but I could see that he was happy. Finally he roused himself from his reverie to say:
“You don't mind if I go to bed, do you?—and stay a little longer; I want to talk to you. It's such a comfort to have you here.”
I said I would stay all night if he desired it. I was too excited to sleep.