Eileen and Selwyn waited.
When the child had ended and had taken leave of all, Boots also took his leave; and Selwyn rose, too, a troubled, careworn expression replacing the careless gaiety which had made him seem so young in Miss Erroll's youthful eyes.
"Wait, Boots," he said; "I'm going home with you." And, to Eileen, almost absently: "Good-night; I'm so very glad you are well again." "Good-night," she said, looking up at him.

The faintest sense of disappointment came over her--at what, she did not know.

Was it because, in his completely altered face she realised the instant and easy detachment from herself, and what concerned her ?--was it because other people, like Mr.Lansing--other interests--like those which so plainly, in his face, betrayed his preoccupation--had so easily replaced an intimacy which had seemed to grow newer and more delightful with every meeting?
What was it, then, that he found more interesting, more important, than their friendship, their companionship?
Was she never to grow old enough, or wise enough, or experienced enough to exact--without exacting--his paramount consideration and interest?
Was there no common level of mental equality where they could meet ?--where termination of interviews might be mutual--might be fairer to her?
Now he went away, utterly detached from her and what concerned her--to seek other interests of which she knew nothing; absorbed in them to her utter exclusion, leaving her here with the long evening before her and nothing to do--because her eyes were not yet strong enough to use for reading.
Lansing was saying: "I'll drive as far as the club with you, and then you can drop me and come back later." "Right, my son; I'll finish a letter and then come back--" "Can't you write it at the club ?" "Not that letter," he replied in a low voice; and, turning to Eileen, smiled his absent, detached smile, offering his hand.
But she lay back, looking straight up at him.
"Are you going ?" "Yes; I have several--" "Stay with me," she said in a low voice.
For a moment the words meant nothing; then blank surprise silenced him, followed by curiosity.
"Is there something you wished to tell me ?" he asked.
"N-no." His perplexity and surprise grew.

"Wait a second, Boots," he said; and Mr.Lansing, being a fairly intelligent young man, went out and down the stairway.
"Now," he said, too kindly, too soothingly, "what is it, Eileen ?" "Nothing.

I thought--but I don't care.