"'And deepening through their silent spheres,
Heaven over heaven rose the night,'"
he quoted. "It's wonderful! Do you remember how I used to read Mariana in the South to you and poor Jenny? How it must have bored her! What an ass I was!"
"Yes," said Mrs. Bowen breathlessly, in sympathy with his reminiscence rather than in agreement with his self-denunciation.
Colville broke into a laugh, and then she began to laugh to; but not quite willingly as it seemed.
Effie started from her sleep. "What—what is it?" she asked, stretching and shivering as half-wakened children do.
"Bed-time," said her mother promptly, taking her hand to lead her away. "Say good-night to Mr. Colville."
The child turned and kissed him. "Good night," she murmured.
"Good night, you sleepy little soul!" It seemed to Colville that he must be a pretty good man, after all, if this little thing loved him so.
"Do you always kiss Mr. Colville good-night?" asked her mother when she began to undo her hair for her in her room.
"Sometimes. Don't you think it's nice?"