At the nearest shop I went in and bought a bag of sweetmeats.
"Roasted almonds," said I, offering her the packet. "You like them, don't you?"
"Robby," said she. Her lips quivered.
"One moment," I replied, and went swiftly into the florist's alongside.
Moderately calm again, I came back with my roses.
"Robby," said Pat.
I grinned lugubriously.
"Turning into a cavalier in my old age, Pat."
I don't know what had come over us suddenly.
Apparently it was that damned train going away.
It was like a leaden shadow, a grey wind that blew down everything we most wanted still to stand. We were two runaway children, hardly knowing in from out, but anxious to keep up a brave show.
"Come, let's have a drink, quick," said I.
She nodded.
We went into the nearest cafe and sat at an empty table by the window.
"What'll you have, Pat?"
"Rum," said she, and looked at me.
"Rum," I repeated, reaching for her hand under the table.
She pressed it firmly in mine.
The rum came.
It was Bacardi with lemon.
"Old darling," said she, raising her glass.
"Good old lad," said I.
We sat on awhile.
"Queer, sometimes, isn't it?" said Pat.
"Yes.
Does come once in a while.
But it passes again."
She nodded.
We went on, walking close side by side.
Steaming sleigh-horses trotted past us.
Tired sunburnt skiers; an ice hockey team in red and white sweaters, spitting life . . .
"How do you feel, Pat?" I asked.
"Good, Robby."
"If we could only become like that, eh?"
"Yes, darling." She pressed my arm against her.
The street emptied.
The evening glow lay like a pink quilt on the snowy mountains.
"Pat," said I, "I didn't tell you we have stacks of money now.
Koster sent some."
She stopped.
"That's perfectly wonderful, Robby.
Then we'll be able really to go out for once?"
"Why sure," said I, "as often as we like."
"Then we'll go on Saturday to the Kursaal.
The last big-ball of the season is being held there then."
"But you aren't allowed out at night."
"Most of them aren't, but they go all the same."
I made a serious face.
"Robby, all the time you weren't here I did everything they told me.
I was nothing but one anxious prescription.