She was escorted on to the platform by a
young and earnest-looking clergyman, and given a chair in the center
of the little group who were gathered there. And after the conclusion
of the song, the clergyman expressed his gratification to the audience
that a lady with so many calls upon her time, such high social duties,
should yet find time to show her deep interest in their welfare by
this most kind visit. After which, he ventured to call upon Lady
Barrington to say a few words.
MEPHISTOPHELES ON A STEAMER
In some respects, the voyage across the Atlantic was a surprise to
Aynesworth. His companion seemed to have abandoned, for the time at
any rate, his habit of taciturnity. He conversed readily, if a little
stiffly, with his fellow passengers. He divided his time between the
smoke room and the deck, and very seldom sought the seclusion of his
state room. Aynesworth remarked upon this change one night as the two
men paced the deck after dinner.
"You are beginning to find more pleasure," he said, "in talking to
people."
Wingrave shook his head.
"By no means," he answered coldly. "It is extremely distasteful to
me."
"Then why do you do it?" Aynesworth asked bluntly.
Wingrave never objected to being asked questions by his secretary. He
seemed to recognize the fact that Aynesworth's retention of his post
was due to a desire to make a deliberate study of himself, and while
his own attitude remained purely negative, he at no time exhibited any
resentment or impatience.
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