And she went gaily on to the stage.
I followed George and Kate to Mother’s room, and discovered myself to him. He made no fuss, simply looked right through me, and began walking up and down while Kate sewed a button on to something.
We heard the clapping from the front quite distinctly. George ground his teeth. Then Kate slipped out and Mother came in alone, panting, and took hold of the dressing-table as if she was drowning.
“I’ve saved the piece!” said she almost to herself, and then to George, “I’m an artist. Oh, George, why weren’t you in front to see me in the best moment of my life?”
“When I married you, Lucy——” George stuttered.
“Yes, but that wasn’t nearly such an occasion! Oh, George, forgive me, and don’t spoil all my pleasure.”
“Pleasure!” said George, as if he was disgusted.
“Here comes Jim Aix to congratulate me. Poor Aix, he is so pleased....”
She burst into tears as Mr. Aix came in. He took absolutely no notice of George, but just caught hold of Mother’s hands and said several times over—
“Thank you! Thank you! Bless you! Bless you! Good God! You are crying——”