She sat gazing into the fire; her expression cold and unresponsive.
Ronnie's heart stood still.

Never before had he seen that look on Helen's face.

Were his nightmares following him home?
For the first time in his life he had a sense of inadequacy.

Helen was not pleased with him.

He was not being what she wanted.
He fell miserably silent.
Helen continued to gaze into the fire.
The Infant of Prague calmly reflected the golden lamplight in the wonderful depths of its polished surface.
Suddenly an inspiration came to Ronnie.