The light had all faded out of the sky, and the big room was nearly
dark. To Angelica, who never sat still, who was not formed for
meditation, it was depressing to remain there in the deepening twilight,
with no idea how much longer this wretchedness would endure. Polly
didn’t stir; all the house was still.
Her imprisonment was terminated by the sudden entrance of Mr. Eddie.
"Light the lamp!" he cried sharply. "You’re an idiot, Polly, to sit here
in the dark like this! You--Miss What’s-Your-Name--you mustn’t let her.
It’s very bad for her. Try to keep her cheerful."
He had turned a switch as he spoke, and five electric lights had flashed
on, making the room as brilliant as a stage. He looked anxiously at
Polly.
"Eating better?" he asked. "I’ve brought you some oysters--something
rather special. Are you coming down?"
"Not to-night, Eddie, thank you; but I’ll enjoy the oysters. Is your
mother home yet?"
"No. I shan’t wait for her. I told Annie an early dinner. Half-past six
sharp, miss! I’ve brought home a lot of work to do."
He went out again, with a curt nod at Angelica.
"You’d better get ready," said Polly. "He’s not very patient. He doesn’t
like to be kept waiting."
"I am ready," said Angelica. "I haven’t any better clothes to put on."
She had risen, and was standing near the door. She knew that Polly
wished her to go, but still she lingered, miserable but resolute.
"Did I do all right to-day?" she blurted out.
Polly opened her eyes.
"Why, certainly, my dear," she said. "Would you mind putting out all the
lights but one?"
"But doesn’t he want it cheerful?"
"I think it ’ll be more cheerful that way," Polly answered, with a faint
smile. "Now, then--thank you! I think I’ll rest until dinner-time."
"But were you satisfied with me?" insisted Angelica.
"Of course I was."
"Well, do you want me to stay? Because he’s coming to talk it over with
you. Will you tell him that you want me?"
"Yes," said Polly. "I do want you--very much!"