He had
not thought of her as growing old until now.
"Yes?" he cried anxiously. "Where is he? I tried to get here in time.
Did he--"
"Sit down, David--here, please, behind the balustrade. I am waiting
out here for him. He went off in that direction. I've been watching
for nearly an hour. He is coming back."
She resumed her chair, facing the direction which Braddock had taken.
"You--you sent him away?"
"I did not see him. You must not think, David, that I am afraid to see
him. I am nervous, upset, but it really isn't fear. Christine--
Christine knows everything. I told her last night. She is--well, you
can imagine, she is very unhappy. Everything looks black to her. I did
not hide anything. She is crushed."
"Where is she? I must see her. I can comfort her, Mrs. Braddock. Let
me see her before he comes back." He was standing over her, his face
working.
"She will not see you, David," she said in dull tones. He started.
"What do you mean? She _must_ see me." "Her father was in the
penitentiary." That was all; but it told all there was to tell.
It required a moment or two for comprehension.
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