“Come” seemed like a command to be obeyed.

“Now, that is more like.” He began his dinner with a relish. “Won’t you share this game with me? It is fine, you know.”

He could not think her silent from embarrassment, for her poise seemed undisturbed except for the anxious look in her eyes. He determined to fathom the cause, and since no finesse availed, there remained but one way, — the direct question.

“What is it?” he said kindly. “Tell me the trouble, and let me help you.”

She looked full into his eyes then, and her lips quivered. Something rose in her throat, and she swallowed helplessly. It was so hard for her to speak. The trouble had struck deeper than he dreamed.