`` I am much obliged to you -- and I ask you not to let Miss Gray know anything of my interference . And I shall not take up any more of your valuable time . Good afternoon . '' `` Oh , you must n't go so soon , '' he said , with some real kindness or clannishness permeating the hateful cordiality of his voice -- for Andrew Cameron was not entirely without the homely virtues of the average man . He had been a good husband and father ; he had once been very fond of his Cousin Margaret ; and he was really very sorry that `` circumstances '' had `` compelled '' him to act as he had done in that old affair of her father 's investment . `` You must be my guest to-night . '' `` Thank you . I must return home to-night , '' said the Old Lady firmly , and there was that in her tone which told Andrew Cameron that it would be useless to urge her . But he insisted on telephoning for his carriage to drive her to the station . The Old Lady submitted to this , because she was secretly afraid her own legs would not suffice to carry her there ; she even shook hands with him at parting , and thanked him a second time for granting her request . `` Not at all , '' he said . `` Please try to think a little more kindly of me , Cousin Margaret . '' When the Old Lady reached the station she found , to her dismay , that her train had just gone and that she would have to wait two hours for the evening one . She went into the waiting-room and sat down . She was very tired . All the excitement that had sustained her was gone , and she felt weak and old . She had nothing to eat , having expected to get home in time for tea ; the waiting-room was chilly , and she shivered in her thin , old , silk mantilla . Her head ached and her heart likewise . She had won Sylvia 's desire for her ; but Sylvia would go out of her life , and the Old Lady did not see how she was to go on living after that . Yet she sat there unflinchingly for two hours , an upright , indomitable old figure , silently fighting her losing battle with the forces of physical and mental pain , while happy people came and went , and laughed and talked before her .
At eight o'clock the Old XXXXX got off the train at Bright River station , and slipped off unnoticed into the darkness of the wet night .
Gray Lady Margaret Sylvia cordiality evening hours mantilla to-night waiting-room