Somehow this picture gave him a shock. Would it not have been better if he had never come, or would it not be best for him to return before further discouragements and the attendant heartaches would grow upon him?
All these complex feelings Hart charged up to his own account—as if they arose entirely through some fault of his own, and as if they should not be harbored or dwelt upon.
With a sigh he arose at last and dressed himself and went down stairs. No one else had appeared and he entered the drawing-room alone. But no sooner had he sat down in a chair to wait than he jumped to his feet—there was a picture of Madge Hollingsworth smiling at him from a silver frame on the mantelpiece. He picked it up and looked at it. A half-frightened sensation went over him. For an instant he wished that he were going to see her, and then a moment later he felt relieved because he was not. Hearing some one come down the stairs, he seated himself in a chair again, as Mrs. Bliss entered. The little lady was very curious concerning her guest, and this was the first opportunity that she had had for asking questions.
