"I ought to go back," she said, and without another word led the way through the narrow doorway.
It was Hilliard who talked, disjointedly enough, but still talked, as they walked rather swiftly through the garden. When they reached the wide marble steps they stopped.
"Everyone is getting supper inside," said Miss Bagehot, raising her eyes to his face; "come in." They mounted the steps and stood in the light, warm room.
"I don't think I care for any supper," said Hilliard. "I think I'll say good-night."
She did not offer to shake hands with him, she stood with her eyes on his face.
"Papa won't like it," she returned. "He hates people not to eat in his house—don't go."
Hilliard gave a glance at the crowded room and shook his head. "I couldn't," he said. "Good-night," and without further words he bowed and left her, and as he entered the hall turned and saw her joined by three or four people from the other room. He stood a moment and watched her raise those wide-open, indifferent eyes of hers, but saw that the color still flushed her cheek. Then he found his coat and hat and walked to the door.
"Dr. Hilliard," said Mr. Bagehot's voice.
The young man stopped and turned towards him.
"Won't you come in here a moment," said the older man hurriedly, "just a word." He shut the door behind them. They stood alone in a little breakfast room.
"My daughter—you thought her" His kind eyes looked eagerly into Hilliard's face?
Hilliard paused a moment; a slight, dark color had mounted to his cheek.
"Your daughter," he said slowly, "suffers only, I think, from the need of one thing—an interest, an emotion. She would be well if she had to bear a great sorrow or a great joy."
Bagehot stared at him. "Your prescription, Doctor," he returned, "is somewhat difficult to administer."
The young man bowed and moved towards the door, then turned on his heel and faced his host.
"May I be presumptuous," he said hurriedly, "and ask if you will permit me to—to come again to your delightful house, and this time as a visitor only?"
"I shall always be glad to see you," answered Bagehot absently; "let me see you to the door," and he shut it behind the young man with another, "I shall be delighted; come soon."
