John withdrew his hand and clasped his bowed head. “Day after tomorrow!” he repeated, almost groaning. “The day we were to see the sculptures!” He laughed bitterly. “Don’t, John,” begged Nannie. “You frighten me.” Again the two became silent. “If only _you_ weren’t the one to suffer!” Nannie exclaimed at last. “There is so much in our lives that is the same!” “Yes, Nannie.” “Your attitude toward Lucy is so noble, John! She doesn’t realize how much she has to be thankful for in your forbearance. Oh, John, to think that I should be in any way responsible, even innocently, for ruining your life!” “You’re not responsible for what Lucy does, Nannie.” “Oh, John, perhaps later----” “Yes, yes!” he said eagerly. “Maybe Lucy won’t always be so strange and exacting.” Another pause. “Nannie!” John’s voice was smothered and his breath came quickly. “If you’ll only cut out that talk about marrying! I can stand anything but that! I can’t stand it, Nannie. I can’t stand it! Say you’re not going to be married, Nannie?” She did not answer at once. “Not--right away, at least, dear boy,” she conceded finally, stroking his hair with her free hand. John lifted his head and sighed deeply. “Well, Nannie, if you really think it’s for the best, I suppose you’ll have to go, for the present, at least,” he resumed in a different tone. “Don’t you want me to sing to you now, John?” Nannie offered, smiling bravely. “I’ll be too tired tomorrow night.” “Yes, sing to me.” Nannie sang _Ouvrez tes yeux_. When Dr. Hamilton reached home he found Lucy and Dimmie still there. Dimmie was sound asleep. At Lucy’s request the Doctor picked the little boy up and carried him through the back way to the Winter home, delivering him into his mother’s arms at the kitchen door. Lucy entered the house softly. As she mounted the stairs with her burden she saw John and Nannie in the living room. They did not observe her and she did not make her presence known. It was late when they followed her. John found her door locked. All was dark and quiet. He slept in Jim’s room. XXXII “Shall I stay at home and help you with your trunks?” John offered at breakfast. He seemed depressed and addressed his remarks only to Nannie. “No, thank you, John,” she replied. She gazed at him sympathetically. As a concession to unwontedly early rising she wore a beribboned négligée and a boudoir cap that was very becoming. “It’s so good and thoughtful of you to offer, but I can pack my things very well alone. But you mustn’t forget to send the express man out early this evening, for I don’t want any doubt about the baggage going on the same train with me.” The two spoke as though they were alone. A perfect understanding seemed to exist between them. Lucy did not make a comment. “Well, I’ll go to the office, then,” he decided, rising. “It’s time for you to get ready, Dimmie.” Lucy turned to the little boy who sat beside her. “Let him stay at home today, Lucy,” proposed Mrs. Merwent.