She lay panting on her pillows like a frightened child when at length he entered.
He came in very softly, but every pulse in her body leapt at his approach. She could not utter a word in greeting.
He stood a moment in silence, looking down at her, then, stooping, he took her free hand into his own.
"Are you better?" he asked, his deep voice hushed as if he were in church.
She could not answer him for the fast beating of her heart. He waited a little, then sat down by the bed, his great hand still holding her little trembling one in a steady grasp.
"The doctor tells me," he said, "that it would not be safe for you to travel at present, so I cannot of course, think of allowing you to do so."
Nan's eyes opened very wide at this. It was an entirely novel idea that this man should take upon himself to direct her movements. She drew a deep breath, and found her voice.
"I should certainly not dream of attempting such a thing without the doctor's permission."
His grave face did not alter. His eyes looked directly into hers and it seemed to Nan for the first time that they held something of a domineering expression.
She turned her head away with a quick frown. She also made a slight, ineffectual effort to free her hand. But he did not appear to notice either gesture.
"Yes," he said, in his slow way, "it is out of the question, and so I have asked your father to take care of you for me until my return--for, unfortunately, I cannot postpone my own departure."
Nan's lips quivered. She was beginning to feel hysterical. With an effort she controlled herself.
"It is impossible for me to say. Everything depends upon the state of affairs at the mines. But you may be quite sure, Anne"--a deeper note crept into his voice--"that my absence will be as short as I can possibly make it."
"You needn't hurry for my sake," she said abruptly. "I shall be perfectly happy here."
"I am glad to hear it," he answered gravely. "I have made full provision for you. The interest upon the settlement I have made upon you will be paid to you monthly. Should you find it insufficient, you will, of course, let me know. I could cable you some more if necessary."
A great blush rose in Nan's face at his words, spreading upwards to her hair.