She did not rise at her father's entrance.
She scarcely raised her eyes.
"So glad you've come, Daddy," she said, in a soft, low voice.

"I've been wanting you.

It's nearly bedtime, isn't it ?" He went to her, treading lightly.

His thoughts had been all of her for the past few hours and in consequence he looked at her more critically than usual.

For the first time he was struck by her pallor, her look of deathly weariness.