"That," she said, "I can quite well imagine."
Nicholas pressed the electric button attached to the arm of his chair. He watched the door, a curious amusement in his eyes.
Trix attempted an appearance of utter unconcern, nevertheless she could not avoid a reflection or two regarding the butler's possible views on her presence.
During the few seconds of waiting, she surveyed the room. It was extraordinarily familiar. Nothing was altered from her childish days. The very position of the furniture was the same. There were the same heavy brocaded curtains to the windows, the same morocco-covered chairs, the same thick Aubusson carpet, the same book-cases lined with rather fusty books, the same great dogs in the fireplace.
Nicholas looked at her, observing her survey.
"It's all so exactly the same," responded Trix.
"I never cared for change," said Nicholas shortly.
"Jessop," said Nicholas smooth-voiced, "Will you kindly bring tea for me and this young lady."
A flicker, a very faint flicker of amazement passed over the man's face.
"Yes, sir," he responded, and turned from the room.
"An excellent servant," remarked Nicholas.
"I wonder," said Trix reflectively, "how they manage to see everything, and look as if they saw nothing. When I see things it's perfectly obvious to everyone else I am seeing them. I--I _look_."
When, some half-hour later, Trix rose to take leave, Nicholas again held out his hand. "I believe I'd ask you to come and pay me another visit," he said, "but it would be wiser not. It is not easy for--er, dead men to receive visitors."
"I wish you hadn't--died," said Trix impulsively.
"Do you mean that?" asked Nicholas curiously.
Trix nodded. There was an odd lump in her throat, a lump that for the moment prevented her from speaking.
The tears welled up suddenly in Trix's eyes.
"It's so lonely," she said, with a half-sob.
"That doesn't make it nicer, but worse," gulped Trix.
"On the contrary, it's better. It's my own choice." He emphasized the last word a little.
Trix was silent. Nicholas let go her hand.
"Let yourself out the front way," he said. "I am sorry I am unable to accompany you."
Trix went slowly to the library door. At the door she turned.
"It mayn't be right of me," she announced, "but I'm glad, really glad I did sneeze."