Emily could not remain
alone here with me. I should have to find another companion for her; and
you know how difficult that would be. I'm worried quite enough as it is.' A
look of pain passed through his eyes, and Mrs. Bentley wondered what he he
could mean. 'No,' he said, taking her hands, 'we are good friends--are we
not? Do me this service. Stay with me until I finish this play; then, if
things do not mend, go, if you like, but not now. Will you promise me?'
'I promise.'
'Thank you. I am deeply obliged to you.'
At the end of a long silence, Hubert said, 'Will you not come up-stairs,
and let me read you the first act?'
'I should like to, but I think it better not. If Emily heard that you had
read me your play, she would not close her eyes to-night; it would be tears
and misery all the night through.'
XVI
The study in which he had determined to write his masterpiece had been
fitted up with taste and care. The floor was covered with a rare Persian
carpet, and the walls were lined with graceful bookcases of Chippendale
design; the volumes, half morocco, calf, and the yellow paper of French
novels, showed through the diamond panes. The writing-table stood in front
of the window; like the bookcases, it was Chippendale, and on the dark
mahogany the handsome silver inkstand seemed to invite literary
composition.
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