Ellery rose and bowed ceremoniously to the piano.
"Vera, will you and Mrs. Norris favor me with Schubert's Serenade,
while I sit on Mrs. Percival?" he asked. "I am ragingly hungry, but
perhaps the Serenade will keep me harmless and quiet for a little."
He sat and listened and looked into the warm deep heart of the friendly
fire. Dreams and hopes came back to him, as things once seen through a
glass darkly, but now face to face. Without turning, he was conscious of
Madeline, across the room, filling life with music.
When a small maid, as new as the books, appeared to announce dinner, he
looked up startled.
"Shall we go?" asked Madeline, rising.
"To our own private particular family communion-table," he answered,
drawing her arm through his.