The dispersal of his guests carried Stilling out into the hall, where his pleasantries reverberated under the oak rafters while the Granger girls were being muffled for the drive and the carriages summoned from the stables.
By a common impulse Mrs. Stilling and Wrayford had moved together toward the fire-place, which was hidden by a tall screen from the door into the hall. Wrayford leaned his elbow against the mantel-piece, and Mrs. Stilling stood beside him, her clasped hands hanging down before her.
Have you anything more to talk over with him? she asked.
No. We wound it all up before dinner. He doesnt want to talk about it anymore than he can help.
Its so bad?
No; but this time hes got to pull up.
She stood silent, with lowered lids. He listened a moment, catching Stillings farewell shout; then he moved a little nearer, and laid his hand on her arm.
In an hour?
She made an imperceptible motion of assent.
Ill tell you about it then. The keys as usual?
She signed another Yes and walked away with her long drifting step as her husband came in from the hall.
He went up to the tray and poured himself out a tall glass of brandy and soda.
The weather is turning queer black as pitch. I hope the Swordsleys wont walk into the lake involuntary immersion, eh? Hed come out a Baptist[239], I suppose. Whatd the Bishop do in such a case? Theres a problem for a lawyer, my boy!
He clapped his hand on Wrayfords thin shoulder and then walked over to his wife, who was gathering up her embroidery silks and dropping them into her work-bag. Stilling took her by the arms and swung her playfully about so that she faced the lamplight.
Whats the matter with you tonight?
The matter? she echoed, colouring a little, and standing very straight in her desire not to appear to shrink from his touch.
You never opened your lips. Left me the whole job of entertaining those blessed people. Didnt she, Austin?
Wrayford laughed and lit a cigarette.
There! You see even Austin noticed it. Whats the matter, I say? Arent they good enough for you? I dont say theyre particularly exciting; but, hang it! I like to ask them here I like to give people pleasure.
I didnt mean to be dull, said Isabel.
Well, you must learn to make an effort. Dont treat people as if they werent in the room just because they dont happen to amuse you. Do you know what theyll think? Theyll think its because youve got a bigger house and more money than they have. Shall I tell you something? My mother said shed noticed the same thing in you lately. She said she sometimes felt you looked down on her for living in a small house. Oh, she was half joking, of course; but you see you do give people that impression. I cant understand treating any one in that way. The more I have myself, the more I want to make other people happy.
Isabel gently freed herself and laid the work-bag on her embroidery-frame. I have a headache; perhaps that made me stupid. Im going to bed. She turned toward Wrayford and held out her hand. Good night.
Good night, he answered, opening the door for her.
When he turned back into the room, his host was pouring himself a third glass of brandy and soda.
Here, have a nip, Austin? Gad, I need it badly, after the shaking up you gave me this afternoon. Stilling laughed and carried his glass to the hearth, where he took up his usual commanding position. Why the deuce dont you drink something? You look as glum as Isabel. One would think you were the chap that had been hit by this business.
Wrayford threw himself into the chair from which Mrs. Stilling had lately risen. It was the one she usually sat in, and to his fancy a faint scent of her clung to it. He leaned back and looked up at Stilling.
Want a cigar? the latter continued. Shall we go into the den and smoke?
Wrayford hesitated. If theres anything more you want to ask me about
Gad, no! I had full measure and running over this afternoon. The deuce of it is, I dont see where the moneys all gone to. Luckily Ive got plenty of nerve; Im not the kind of man to sit down and snivel because Ive been touched in Wall Street[240].
Wrayford got to his feet again. Then, if you dont want me, I think Ill go up to my room and put some finishing touches to a brief before I turn in. I must get back to town to-morrow afternoon.
All right, then. Stilling set down his empty glass, and held out his hand with a tinge of alacrity. Good night, old man.
They shook hands, and Wrayford moved toward the door.
I say, Austin stop a minute! his host called after him. Wrayford turned, and the two men faced each other across the hearth-rug. Stillings eyes shifted uneasily.
Theres one thing more you can do for me before you leave. Tell Isabel about that loan; explain to her that shes got to sign a note for it.
Wrayford, in his turn, flushed slightly. You want me to tell her?
Hang it! Im soft-hearted thats the worst of me.
Stilling moved toward the tray, and lifted the brandy decanter. And shell take it better from you; shell have to take it from you. Shes proud. You can take her out for a row to-morrow morning look here, take her out in the motor-launch if you like. I meant to have a spin in it myself; but if youll tell her