Page:Twilight.djvu/237

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TWILIGHT
229

main empty. The very contrast between this visit and the last accentuated its intimate charm. Anne was not there, and Peter Kennedy's services not being required, he had the good sense or taste to keep away. Margaret, closely questioned, admitted to having stayed a couple of days in bed, after the last week-end, admitted to weakness, but not illness.

"I have always been like that ever since I was a child. What is called, I believe, 'a little delicate.' I get very easily over-tired. Then if I don't pull up and recuperate with bed and Benger, I get an attack of pain …"

"Of pain! My poor darling!"

"Unbearable. I mean I can't bear it. Gabriel, don't you think you are doing a very foolish thing, taking this half-broken life of mine?"

"If only the time were here!"

"Sometimes I think it will never come," she sighed. "I am clairvoyante in a way. I don't see myself in harbour."

"Only three weeks more, then you shall be as clairvoyante as you like." He laughed happily, holding her to him.

On this visit she seemed glad of his love, to depend upon and need him. He always had that for which to be glad. In truth that weakness of which she spoke, and which was the cause, or perhaps the effect, of two unmistakable heart attacks, had left