Part 90 (1/2)

His brows drew sharply together. ”Isabel! Do you mean that?”

She pressed his hand. ”Yes, dear. I knew you would feel it badly so I didn't tell you before. He acted for the best. I see that quite clearly now. And--in a sense--the best has come of it.”

Scott got to his feet with the gesture of a man who can barely restrain himself. ”He did--that?” he said.

She reached up a soothing hand. ”My dear, it doesn't matter now. Don't be angry with him. I know that he meant well.”

Scott's eyes looked down into hers, intensely bright, burningly alive.

”No wonder,” he said, breathing deeply, ”that you never want to see him again!”

”No, Stumpy; that is not so.” Gently she made answer; her hand held his almost pleadingly. ”For a long time I felt like that, it is true. But now it is all over. There is no bitterness left in my heart at all. We have grown away from each other, he and I. But we were very close friends once, and because of that I would give much--oh, very much--to be friends with him again. It was in a very great measure my selfishness that came between us, my pride too. I had influence with him, Stumpy, and I didn't try to use it. I simply threw him off because he disapproved of my husband. I might have won him, I feel that I could have won him if I had tried. But I wouldn't. And afterwards, when my mind was clouded, my influence was all gone. I wish I could get it back again. I feel as if I might. But he is keeping away now because of Dinah. And I am afraid too that he feels I do not want him--” her eyes were suddenly dim with tears.

”That is not so, Stumpy. I do want him. Sometimes--in the night--I long for him. But, for little Dinah's sake--”

She paused, for Scott had suddenly turned and was pacing the room rapidly, unevenly, as if inaction had become unendurable.

She lay and watched him while the great tears gathered and ran down her wasted face.

He came back to her at length and saw them. He stood a moment looking downwards, then knelt beside her and very tenderly wiped them away.

”My dear,” he said softly, ”you mustn't ever cry again. It breaks my heart to see you. If you want Eustace, he shall come to you. Dinah was speaking to me about it only a short time ago. She will not stand in the way of his coming. In fact, I gathered that if you wish it, she wishes it also.”

”That is so like little Dinah,” whispered Isabel. ”But, Stumpy, do you think we ought to let her face that?”

”I shall be here,” he said.

”Oh, yes, dear. You will be here.” She regarded him wistfully. ”Stumpy, don't'--don't let yourself get bitter against Eustace!” she pleaded. ”You have always been so splendid, so forbearing, till now.”

Scott's lips were stern. ”Some things are hard to forgive, Isabel,” he said.

”But if I forgive--” she said.

His face changed; he bowed his head suddenly down upon her pillow.

”Nothing will give you back to me--when you are gone,” he whispered.

Her hand was on his head in a moment. ”Oh, my dear, are you grieving because of that? And I have been such a burden to you!”

”A burden beloved,” he said, speaking with difficulty. ”And you were getting better. You were better. He--threw you back again. He brought you--to this.”

Her fingers pressed his forehead. ”Not entirely, Stumpy. Be generous, dear! It may have hastened matters a little--only a very little. And even so, what of it, if the journey has been shortened? Perhaps the way has been a little steeper, but it has brought me more quickly to my goal.

Stumpy, Stumpy, if it weren't for leaving you, I would go as gladly--as gladly--as a happy bride--to her wedding.”

She broke off, breathing fast.

He lifted his head swiftly, and saw the shadow of mortal pain gathering in her eyes. He commanded himself on the instant and rose. Self-contained and steady, he found and administered the remedy that was always kept at hand.

Then, as the spasm pa.s.sed, he stooped and quietly kissed the white forehead. ”Don't trouble about me, dear!” he said. ”G.o.d knows I would not keep you from your rest.”