, when Duncan was numb in every limb, Margaret began to button
herself into her outer wraps, and, escorted by Penrose, they went to
supper. Duncan hesitated at the door of the cafe.

"This is an awful place, isn't it?" he objected. "You can't be going in
here!"

"One must eat, Duncan!" Mrs. Coppered said blithely, leading the way.
"And all the nice places are closed at this hour!" Duncan sullenly
followed; but, in the flood of reminiscences upon which she and Penrose
instantly embarked, his voice was not missed. Mollified in spite of
himself by delicious food and strong coffee, he watched them, the man's
face bright through its fatigue, his stepmother glowing and brilliant.

"I'll see this through for Dad's sake," said Duncan, grimly, to
himself; "but, when he finds out about it, she'll have to admit I
kicked the whole time!"

At four o'clock they reached the Penroses' hotel, where rooms were
secured for Duncan and Margaret. The boy, dropping with sleep, heard
her cheerfully ask at the desk to be called at seven o'clock.

"I've a cloak to buy," she explained, in answer to his glance of
protest, "and a hairdresser to see, and a hat to find--they may be
difficult to get, too! And I must run out and have just a glimpse of
little Phil, and get to the theatre by noon; there's just a little more
going over that second act to do! But don't you get up."

"I would prefer to," said Duncan, with dignity, taking his key.

But he did not wake until afternoon, when the thin winter sunlight was
falling in a dazzling oblong on the floor of his room; and even then he
felt a little tired and stiff. He reached for his watch--almost one
o'clock! Duncan's heart stood still. Had SHE overslept?

He sat up a little dazed, and, doing so, saw a note on the little table
by his bed. It was from Margaret, and ran:

DEAR DUNCAN:

If you don't wake by one they're to call you, for I want you to see
Mabel's entrance. I've managed my hat and cloak, and seen the
child--he's quiet and not in pain, thank God. Have your breakfast, and
then come to the box-office; I'll leave a seat for you there. Or come
behind and see me, if you will, for I am terribly nervous and would
like it. So glad you're getting your sleep. MARGAEET.

P.S. Don't worry about the nerves; I ALWAYS am nervous.

Duncan looked at the note for three silent minutes, sitting on the edge
of his bed.

"I'm sorry. She--she wanted me. I wish I'd waked!" he said slowly,
aloud.

An