Chapter 21

We all remained silent for a few minutes, in the intensity of our thinking the silence became a positive thing, and the little voices of life in and out of the house seemed intrusive, and the first to break it was Miss Trelawney. I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. But she steady herself before speaking:

"What was the pressing topic you wanted to see me about, knowing that my father wasn't available?"

The pause showed a mastery of its ideas, the momentary change in Mr. Corbeck was almost absurd, his sudden start, bordering on his iron-clad enthusiasm, a pantomimic change, but every thought of comedy was swept away by the tragic seriousness with which he recalled his original purpose.

"Oh, my God!"

His brows furrowed as he continued: "I have completely forgotten! What a loss! Now of all times! Only at the moment of success! Lying there helpless, tongue tied! I can't raise my hand or foot in my ignorance of his desires!"