"My dear Jack!" he exclaimed, in his soft tones, almost rough in their warmth and geniality. "Now, this is a pleasant surprise. How do you do? how do you do?"
But almost before Jack knew it, Stephen had seized him by the hand, and was swinging it convulsively, smiling so that all his teeth glittered and shone in the candle-light.
Jack was taken by surprise, and returned the greeting cordially; indeed, what else could he do, seeing that he was in Stephen's mother's house, and making love to Stephen's _protegee_?
"Quite a surprise!" said Stephen, laughing; and then, still talking to Jack, he crossed over and bent down to kiss his mother. "How do you do, my dear mother? Now don't be angry at my taking you so unexpectedly."
"Angry, my dear Stephen!" faltered Mrs. Davenant; and indeed, it was not anger so much as fear that shone in the timid eyes.
Then, having got himself completely under control, Stephen raised his eyes to Una, and held out his hand.
"And how do you do, Miss Rolfe? I hope your health has not suffered in this close London of ours. May I say that there are no signs of such an ill result in your face?"
Una gave him her hand, and smiled at him in her quiet, grave way.
"That's right," said Stephen--"that's right!"
And he stood and looked from one to the other, rubbing his white, soft hands, and smiling as if he were over-running with the milk of human kindness.
Meanwhile Mrs. Davenant had risen, and was fluttering about nervously.
"Have you dined, Stephen? We can get some dinner, or--or something directly."
"My dear mother, I dined at my rooms two hours ago; but if you have a cup of tea, now; but don't trouble--it does not matter in the slightest."
Fresh tea was brought in, and Una, as usual, officiated. Stephen, leaning over a chair-back, talked to Jack and Mrs. Davenant, but his eyes turned continually on the graceful figure and the beautiful profile; and not one of them guessed the rage and fury which boiled and simmered under his calm and amiable exterior.
Already, as if some one had told him, he knew that Una had been out into the world. Her dress, her manner told him that; and while he smiled lovingly at his mother, he was crying out inwardly:
He took his cup of tea, his hand as steady as a rock, and chatted with Jack, full of the pleasantest interest.