Then they were face to face over the threshold--Clytemnestra, of a matronly circumference, yet with a certain prim consciousness of herself, which despite the gray hair and the excellent maturity of her face, was unmistakably maidenish--Clytie of the eyes always wise to another's needs and beaming with that fine wisdom.
She started back from the doorway by way of being playfully dramatic--her hands on her hips, her head to one side at an astounded angle. Yet little more than a second did she let herself simulate this welcoming incredulity--this stupefaction of cordiality. There must be quick speech--especially as to Nancy's face--which seemed strangely unfamiliar, set, suppressed, breathless, unaccountably young--and there had to be the splendid announcement of another matter.
Here the other managed a shake of the head and a made smile.
"And of all things!--you'll never, never, never guess!--"
"There--there!--yes, yes--yes! I know--know all about it--knew it--knew it last night--"
She had put out a hand toward Clytie and now reached the other from her side, easing herself to the doorpost against which she leaned and laughed, weakly, vacantly.
"Yes--I knew it, I tell you--that's what makes it so funny and foolish--why I came, you know--" She had now gained a little in coherence, and with it came a final doubt. She steadied herself in the doorway to ask--"When did Bernal come?"
And Clytie, somewhat relieved, became voluble.
"Night before last on the six-fifteen, and me getting home late from the Epworth meeting--fire out--not a stick of kindling-wood in--only two cakes in the buttery, neither of them a layer--not a frying-size chicken on the place--thank goodness he didn't have the appetite he used to--though in another way it's just downright heartbreaking to see a person you care for not be a ready eater--but I had some of the plum jell he used to like, and the good half of an apple-John which I at once het up--and I sent Mehitty Lykins down for some chops--"
There had seemed to be a choking in the question. Clytie regarded her curiously.
"He was lying down up in the study a while ago--kicking one foot up in the air against the wall, with his head nearly off the sofy onto the floor, just like he used to--there--that's his step--"