But no summons came; and at last she decided to go without being called.
In the sitting-room they were all quietly intent upon their several occupations.

Carl was pretending to read a book; but he threw her a stolen, tenderly anxious look over the top of it when she entered.
Supper was brought in, and everything went on as quietly as usual, even to his customary banter.

To Elizabeth it seemed as if there was a mist over them all; and when Mina once asked if there was anything the matter with her, she could only answer mechanically, 'No.' The question was repeated later on, and received the same answer.

She brought the supper things in and took them out, as usual, and it seemed as if she could not feel the floor under her feet, or what she carried in her hand.
The evening passed, and they went to bed without anything happening.

But in the partial darkness of the stair-landing, he seized her hand passionately, and said--"Good-night, my Elizabeth, _my--my_ Elizabeth!" She was not in a condition to return the pressure of his hand, and when he approached his lips to her forehead, she hastily drew herself away.
"I came out here alone to tell you this, dear, dearest Elizabeth," he whispered, with passion trembling in his voice, and making an effort to draw her to him.