beautiful--never had she touched him with so personal an interest; and next
morning, when he lounged in his study, he was glad to hear her knock at the
door; and the half-hour he spent with her there, yielding to her pleading
to come for a walk with her, or drive her over to Southwater in the
dog-cart, was one of unalloyed pleasure. But a few days after, as he lay in
bed, a new idea came to him for his third act. So he said he would have
breakfast in his study. He dressed, thinking the whole time how he could
round off his idea and bring it into the act. So clear and precise did it
seem in his mind that he sat down immediately after breakfast, forgetting
even his matutinal cigar, and wrote with a flowing pen. He had left orders
that he was not to be disturbed; and was annoyed when the door opened and
Emily entered.

'I am very sorry, but you must not be cross with me; I do so want you to
come and see the Eastwicks with me.'

'My dear Emily, I could not think of such a thing this morning. I am very
busy--indeed I am.'

'What are you doing? Nothing very important, I can see. You are only
writing your play. You might come with me.'

'My play is as important to me as a visit to the Eastwicks is to you,' he
answered, smiling.

'I have promised Edith.... I really do wish you would come.'

'My dear Emily, it is quite impossible: do let me get on with my work!'

Emily's face instantly changed expression; she turned to leave the room,