Through the week that ensued he had no moment's rest. At night he
went to places of amusement, to seek distraction; he wished and
dreaded the coming of the Sunday. How would Ida receive the
revelation? Should he write to her and try to make her understand
him? Yet in that he could scarcely succeed, and failure would bring
upon him her contempt. The only safety lay in never seeing or
communicating with her again.
Even on Saturday night he had not made up his mind how to act. He
went to the theatre, but left before the play was half over, and
walked slowly homewards. As he drew near to his lodgings, some one
hastened towards him with both hands held out. It was Maud Enderby.
"Oh, I have waited so long! I wanted to see you to-night." She was
exhausted with fatigue and distress, and still held his hands, as if
needing their support. To Waymark, in his then state of mind, she
came like an apparition. He could only look at her in astonishment.
"Last night," she said, "I had a telegram from father. He told me to
come back at once; he had had to leave, and mother was alone. I was
to call for a letter at a place in the city. I was in time to catch
the night boat, and when I got his letter it told me dreadful
things.
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