Beasley's Christmas Party Part 9

"What are you waiting for, old fellow?" said Beasley.

I waited a moment longer, and then it happened.

She came out of the shadow and went to the foot of the steps, her cloak falling from her shoulders as she pa.s.sed me. I picked it up.

She lifted her arms pleadingly, though her head was bent with what seemed to me a beautiful sort of shame. She stood there with the snow driving against her and did not speak. Beasley drew his hand slowly across his eyes--to see if they were really there, I think.

"David," she said, at last. "You've got so many lovely people in your house to-night: isn't there room for--for just one fool? It's Christmas-time!"