My mind went back to that other evening when I had left the door in
humiliation and bitterness of spirit. Perhaps she, too, was thinking of
the time.
"It's much better of you to wish me to come," I said with all my heart,
taking her hand.
"Come on Saturday," she said at last.
"I'm at your service at any time," I murmured.
"Don't," she said. "That's conventional. If you are to be conventional
you're not to come." And she laughed nervously. I looked into her eyes,
and then on impulse stooped and kissed the hand I still held.
"It was what I meant," I said.
She snatched her hand away, and as she did so I saw in the dim light
that hid the further end of the hall, the figure of the Wolf, massive,
dark, threatening, and my mind supplied it with all the fires of
passion and hate with which I had twice seen the face inflamed.
Luella's eyes grew large with wonder and alarm as she caught on my face
the reflection of the Wolf's coming. But as she turned to look, the
figure faded away without sound, and there was only Mrs. Knapp
appearing in the doorway; and her alarm turned to amusement.
"Oh, I was afraid you had gone," said Mrs. Knapp. "Would you mind,
Luella, looking after the guests a minute?"
Luella bowed me a good night and was gone.
"Oh, Henry," said Mrs. Knapp, "I wanted to ask you about Mr. Knapp. Is
your aid absolutely essential to his success?"
"I presume not, thought it would probably embarrass him somewhat if I
should take ship for China before morning.
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