"With all the pleasure in the world," she replied. She returned at once to her shady corner, and the soothing effects of the sonata once more filled the room. For a short time Awdrey sat upright, forced into attention of others by the fact of Dr. Rumsey's presence, but he soon relaxed the slight effort after self-control, and lay back in his chair once again with his eyes half shut. Rumsey listened to the music and watched his strange patient at the same time. Margaret suddenly stopped, almost as abruptly as if she had had a signal. She walked up the room, and stood in the bright circle of light. She looked very lovely, and almost spiritual--her face was pale--her eyes luminous as if lit from within--her pathetic and perfect lips were slightly apart. Rumsey thought her something like an angel who was about to utter a benediction. "I am going up now to see little Arthur," she said. She glanced at her husband, and left the room. Rumsey had not failed to observe that Awdrey did not even glance at his wife when she stood on the hearth. There was a full moment's pause after she left the room. Awdrey's eyes were half closed, they were turned in the direction of the bright blaze. Rumsey looked full at him. "Strange case, strange man," he muttered under his breath. "There is something for me to unravel here. The man who is insensate enough not to see the beauty in that woman's face, not to revel in the love she bestows on him--he is a log, not a man--and yet----" "Are you well?" cried the doctor abruptly. He spoke on purpose with great distinctness, and his words had something the effect of a pistol-shot. Awdrey sat bolt upright and stared full at him. "Why do you ask me that question?" he replied, irritation in his tone. "Because I wish to question you with regard to your health," said Dr. Rumsey. "Whether you feel it or not, you are by no means well." "Indeed! What do I look like?" "Like a man who sees more than he ought," replied the doctor with deliberation. "But before we come to that may I ask you a question?" Awdrey looked disturbed--he got up and stood with his back to the fire. "Ask what you please," he said, rubbing up his hair as he spoke. "As there is a heaven above, Dr. Rumsey, you see a wretched man before you to-night." "My dear fellow, what strong words! Surely, you of all people----" Awdrey interrupted with a hollow laugh. "Ah," he said, "it looks like it, does it not? In any circle, among any concourse of people, I should be pointed out as the fortunate man. I have money--I have a very good and beautiful wife--I am the father of as fine a boy as the heart of man could desire. I belong to one of the old and established families of our country, and I also, I suppose, may claim the inestimable privilege to youth, for I am only twenty-six years of age--nevertheless----" He shuddered, looked down the long room, and then closed his eyes.