Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/25

 clusion that they could not go on for ever in the halcyon camaraderie of the last three years, especially now that the daughter was arriving to complicate the situation. He turned at the step on the stair, and faced Priscilla, who stood between the curtains, transfixed with fear in the presence of the great man. He stared silently.

"I am Priscilla," she said, in a faint voice.

"I am Priscilla Martin—"

She advanced and held out her hand, and Drake recalled himself with difficulty.

"Oh, yes, to be sure!" he said. "How do you do?"

She eyed him gravely, noting his evident irritation. "I shouldn't have come at all—I shouldn't have dreamed of coming down—but my mother wished me to talk to you for ten minutes until she is dressed. Will you sit down?"

"Thanks. I—I suppose you're glad to get home?" he said uncomfortably, looking across at her.

"Oh, yes, very."