Mallowe waited through the evening, looking long and earnestly into
the fire, and
sometimes
smiling to herself.
Kipling - Poems
Mallowe does not approve of staring, but on this
occasion she opened her eyes to the utmost.
"You have managed cleverly so far," she said. "Speak to him, and ask him
what he means."
"I will--at tonight's dance."
"No-o, not at a dance," said Mrs. Mallowe, cautiously. "Men are never
themselves quite at dances. Better wait till tomorrow morning."
"Nonsense. If he's going to revert in this insane way, there isn't a day
to lose. Are you going? No? Then sit up for me, there's a dear. I shan't
stay longer than supper under any circumstances."
Mrs.
Mallowe waited through the evening, looking long and earnestly into
the fire, and
sometimes
smiling to herself.
* * * * *
"Oh! oh! oh! The man's an idiot! A raving, positive idiot! I'm sorry I
ever saw him!"
Mrs. Hauksbee burst into Mrs. Mallowe's house, at midnight, almost in
tears.
"What in the world has happened?" said Mrs. Mallowe, but her eyes showed
that she had guessed an answer.
