Page:The Yellow Book - 03.djvu/153

 Mrs. Vandeleur's eyelids drooped, and her lips, which had been parted for an instant in a pensive smile, trembled a little; she sighed, tapping the ground lightly with her foot, then sank back in her chair and seemed lost in contemplation of the needlework that lay upon her lap. Sir Geoffrey began to move away, but turned suddenly, and stooping, took one of her hands reverently in his own, clasping it as it lay upon the arm of her chair.

"Margaret," he said, "forgive me; but must it be good-bye, after all these years, or is there a chance for me?"

Mrs. Vandeleur's reply was inaudible; but her hand, though it fluttered for a moment, was not withdrawn.