But the dark lady only pressed his hand as it reached out; she lighted
on a chair near by and twinkled a little and shone beamingly on him.
Herman Medfield sank back in his chair.
"It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed softly. "And do you know I
might have missed you altogether!" She had clasped her hands and was
looking at him reproachfully.
"There was a nurse person met me in the hall, and she said you were not
here--that it was all a mistake in the name!" She spread her hands
dramatically; the jets twinkled fast like little eyes all over her....
"She said you weren't here--that they'd got the wrong name!... Then
_this_ good woman--" The little jewels on her hands glinted at Aunt Jane
lightly. "This good woman met me--or I shouldn't have got in at all!"
Herman Medfield cast a glance of due appreciation at "this good woman."
Her face was expressionless and cheerful; she was regarding the widow
with uncritical eyes.
"It was very good in her, I am sure," murmured Herman Medfield.
"Wasn't it!... I've quite been dying to see you, you know!" She leaned
toward him a little and sparkled for him.
"I think I must have been dying to see you," responded the millionaire
politely. "Though they told me I was doing very well." He said it
reflectively, leaning back in his chair and smiling at her.
The boy watched the play with amused eyes. He had no idea his father
could be so courtly with women.
The visitor bridled to it and used her eyes. "It's a mercy you're
better! Think of the interests you represent!"
"I try not to think of them," said Medfield dryly.
"Of course!-- You must not!" She quite cried out about it.