"It is late, papa," said Cicely, with quivering lips.
"Yes, yes, my dear; yes, you are quite right," he said, and walked towards the rectory--but like a blind man, as if he did not see where he was going. Two or three times she had to guide him to keep him from stumbling over the humble graves, for which usually he had so much reverence. He went into the house in the same way, going straight before him, as if he did not know where the door were; and, instead of going into the dining-room, where supper was laid as usual, he took up a candle which stood on the hall-table, and went to his study. Cicely followed him, alarmed; but he did nothing more than seat himself at his writing-table.
"Are you not coming to supper, papa?" she said.
"Did any one speak?" he asked, looking up eagerly as if he did not see.
"O papa, dear, come to supper!" she cried. Then his vacant face seemed to brighten.
"Yes, my love, yes. I am coming; I am coming----"
Cicely did not know what to say or to think. Was it to her he was speaking? She went away, her heart beating loud, to see that all was ready, hoping he would follow. But as he did not come in about ten minutes after, she went back. The room was dark, one corner of it only lighted by the candle, which threw all its light on his pale face and white hair. He was turning over some papers, apparently absorbed. He did not seem to observe her entrance. She went up to him softly, and put her hand upon his shoulder. "Come, please, papa, I am waiting," she said.
He turned to her, a great light shining over his face. "Ah! yes, my darling, you are waiting. How long you have been waiting! But I'm ready--ready.--I knew you would come, Hester, I knew you would come when I wanted you most----"
"Papa!" cried Cicely, in a voice shrill with terror.
He started, the light went out of his face, his eyes grew cloudy and bewildered. "What were you saying, Cicely? I am getting--a little hard of hearing. I don't think I heard what you said."
"Yes, yes; but you need not trouble; there is nothing the matter," he said, recovering himself. And he went with her and ate something dutifully, not without appetite. Then he returned to his study. When Cicely went to him there to say good-night he was smiling to himself. "I am coming; I am coming," he said. "No need to tell me twice; I know when I am in good hands."