As Killian Van K. Vanderdynk crept forth from the elevator, Sacharissa's
nerves gave way; his, also, seemed to disintegrate; and they stood for
some moments mutually supporting each other, during which interval
unaccustomed tears fell from the gray eyes, and unaccustomed words,
breathed brokenly, reassured her; and, altogether unaccustomed to such
things, they presently found themselves seated in a distant corner of the
drawing-room, still endeavoring to reassure each other with interclasped
hands.
They said nothing so persistently that the wordless minutes throbbed into
hours; through the windows the red west sent a glowing tentacle into the
room, searching the gloom for them.
It fell, warm, across her upturned throat, in the half light.
For her head lay back on his shoulder; his head was bent down, lips
pressed to the white hands crushed fragrantly between his own.
A star came out and looked at them with astonishment; in a little while
the sky was thronged with little stars, all looking through the window at
them.
Her maid knocked, backed out hastily and fled, distracted. Then Ferdinand
arrived with a plumber.
Later the butler came. They did not notice him until he ventured to cough
and announce dinner.
The interruptions were very annoying, particularly when she was summoned
to the telephone to speak to her father.
"What is it, dad?" she asked impatiently.
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