I did not stop to ask if she had expected me; but directing Mrs. Williams to conduct Dr. F—— to his bedroom ran to the drawing-room.
I found her walking to and fro with her hands behind her. Mrs. Williams was right. An extraordinary change had come over her since we parted. Her face was ashen pale; beneath her eyes the flesh had fallen and turned dark; her eyes flashed, but a look of fear came into her face when she saw me.
"Geraldine—dear Geraldine!" I cried, approaching her with outstretched arms.
She stood stock still, then all at once bounded forward with a sharp cry.
"It is my darling boy!" she said, throwing her arms around my neck.
I kissed her; but I felt her tremble in my embrace. I led her to a sofa.
"Did you not expect me, Geraldine?"
"Yes, I knew you would come."
"And you would not receive me at the door?"