She often felt a presentiment that he had something important to tell
her, but he would come and go without imparting any news, and, as always,
she did not worry him with questions as many women would have done.
She wondered if he were feeling harassed over "_les affaires
politiques_," or whether he was afraid that the Manager's small stock of
patience would be exhausted before she was able to appear in the ring
again, and that he would cancel her contract. If that happened she felt
that the end of all things would have indeed arrived. She could not
struggle against the Fates any longer, obviously she could not return
home, and it was not fair that Emile should continue to keep her.
He came in one evening about eight o'clock to find her up for the first
time since her illness, and sitting on the edge of the bed draped in the
long blue cloak she used for covering her circus attire.
Her hair was parted over her ears, and divided into two long sleek braids
drawn forward and falling over her shoulders, the ends resting on her lap.
She looked up, as he entered, with the haunting sea-green eyes that
showed larger than ever in contrast to her hollowed cheeks.
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