You run along to bed, dear! I'll soon settle him and follow you.

Don't be uneasy! There is really no need." He kissed her lightly with the words, flattered by her evident anxiety on his behalf though fully determined to ignore it.
Stella turned beside him in silence, aware that he could be immovably obstinate when once his mind was made up.

But the feeling of dread remained upon her.

In some fantastic fashion the beauty of the night had become marred, as though evil spirits were abroad.

For the first time she wanted to keep her husband at her side.
But it was useless to protest.