He did not say what the doctor had wanted him
for, but stood before the fire, with his hands behind his back, and his
face open and as if rapt. Not that he was really thinking--he was only
arrested in pure suspense inside himself, and thoughts wafted through
his mind without order.
'I must go now and see Mama,' said Winifred, 'and see Dadda before he
goes to sleep.'
She bade them both good-night.
Gudrun also rose to take her leave.
'You needn't go yet, need you?' said Gerald, glancing quickly at the
clock.' It is early yet. I'll walk down with you when you go. Sit down,
don't hurry away.'
Gudrun sat down, as if, absent as he was, his will had power over her.
She felt almost mesmerised. He was strange to her, something unknown.
What was he thinking, what was he feeling, as he stood there so rapt,
saying nothing? He kept her--she could feel that. He would not let her
go. She watched him in humble submissiveness.
'Had the doctor anything new to tell you?' she asked, softly, at
length, with that gentle, timid sympathy which touched a keen fibre in
his heart.
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