‘I shall never pretend to sing again.’

Egremont had risen in his place, and was looking about him.  Thyrza was yet in some doubt whether he was alone.  But he had not yet spoken to that lady next to him, and now, on sitting down, he did not speak.  He must be without companion.

CHAPTER XX

RAPIDS

In the crowd with which they mingled on passing out again, Thyrza saw men in evening dress; she looked in every direction for Egremont, but was disappointed.  Gilbert had begged her to hold his arm; he moved forward as quickly as possible, and with Lydia following they were soon in the street.  Gilbert wished to cross, for the sake of quickly getting out of the throng.  Thyrza threw one glance back.  A hat was raised by someone going in the opposite direction, who also had turned his head.  She had seen him.  She was glad he did not come up to speak.  Could he discern the flash of joy which passed over her face as she recognised him?  She hoped he had, but at once hoped that he had not.

There was waiting for an omnibus.  Thyrza still had her arm within Gilbert’s; she was unconscious of all the bustle amid which she stood, unconscious of the pressure with which Gilbert drew her nearer to him.  When at length bidden, she entered the vehicle, and leaned back with her eyes closed.

How dark and quiet these streets of Lambeth seemed As she passed the threshold of the house, a sudden chill fell upon her, and she shook.  How sombre the passage was, with its dim lamp suspended against the wall!  Voices seemed strange; when Mrs. Grail welcomed her in the parlour, she did not recognise the sound.

She could not be persuaded to get to bed immediately.  Neither could she sit still, but walked restlessly about the floor.

‘How hot it is!’ she complained to Lydia.  ’Do you mind if I open the window just a little?’

’I don’t, but I’m afraid it’ll give you cold.  Now do undress, there’s a dear!’

‘Just for a minute.’

She threw the window up, and stood breathing the air.  Her thoughts strayed into the darkness.  Had Mr. Egremont gone to the concert just because she mentioned that she was going?  It was not likely, but perhaps so.  When should she see him to speak of it?  Would he still be arranging books the next morning?

’Now, Thyrza, you must shut the window!  I shall be angry.  Do as I tell you, and get to bed at once.’

At the voice, Thyrza drew the window down, then turned and stood before her sister, as if she were going to say something.  But she did not speak.

‘Do you feel ill, dear?’ Lydia asked, anxiously.

‘Not well, Lyddy.  Don’t get cross with me.  I’ll go to bed directly.’

She walked again the length of the room, then began to hum an air.  It was the first song of the concert.  She took the crumpled programme from her pocket, and glanced over it.  Lydia moved impatiently.  Thyrza put the programme down on the table, and began to loosen her dress.