Train-time forced the oculist to a hasty leave-taking, and it was only
after he was gone that Bayne noticed the evidence of restrained emotion
in Lillian's face. Bayne had been about to conclude his own call, which
concerned a matter of business, the claim of a reward which he considered
fraudulent, but he turned at the door, his hat in his hand and came back,
leaning against the mantel-piece opposite her. He noted that the tears
stood deep in her eyes.
"I can't bear to think of her unhappiness," she said, "when I consider
all I owe to her."
"You had better consider what you owe to me," Bayne gayly retorted,
seeking to effect a diversion.
"Oh, you, you! But for _you_! When I think of what you have done for
Archie, and for me, I could fall down at your feet and worship you!" she
exclaimed with tearful fervor.
"Oh, oh, this is so sudden!" he cried, with a touch of his old
whimsicality.
"Don't--don't make fun of me!" she expostulated.
"Bless you, I am serious indeed! I expected something like this, but not
so soon; and, in fact, I expected to say it _myself_--but I could not
have done it better!"
"Did you really intend to say it, to come back to me?" She gazed
appealingly at him.
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