E.E. 'Doc' Smith SF Gateway Omnibus: The Skylark of Space, Skylark Three, Skylark of Valeron, Skylark DuQuesne by E. E. (Doc) Smith Read Free Book Online

necessary. Masterful strategy, Dorothy – masterful.’
    ‘Well, one does what one can,’ Dorothy murmured in mock modesty. Then, as Seaton appeared, she said, ‘Let’s go, boys. Dinner is served at seven-thirty sharp, and we’re going to be there right on the chime.’
    As they sat down at the table Dorothy studied again the changes that six days had made in Seaton. His face was pale and thin, almost haggard. Lines had appeared at the corners of his eyes and around his mouth, and faint but unmistakable blue rings encircled his eyes.
    ‘You’ve been going altogether too hard,Dick. You’ve got to cut down.’
    ‘Oh no, I’m all right. I never felt better. I could whip a rattlesnake and give him the first bite!’
    She laughed, but the look of concern did not leave her face.
    During the meal no mention was made of the project, the conversation being deftly held to tennis, swimming, and other sports; and Seaton, whose plate was unobtrusively kept full, ate such a dinner as he had not eaten for weeks. After dessert they all went into the living room and ensconced themselves in comfortable chairs. The men smoked; all five continued their conversation.
    After a time three left the room, Vaneman took Crane into his study to show him a rare folio; Mrs Vaneman went upstairs, remarking plaintively that she
had
to finish writing that article, and if she put it off much longer she’d
never
get it done.
    Dorothy said, ‘I skipped practice today, Dick, on account of traipsing out there after you two geniuses. Could you stand it to have me play at you for half an hour?’
    ‘Don’t fish, Dottie Dimple. You know there’s nothing I’d like better. But if you want me to beg you I’d be glad to. Please – PUH-LEEZE – oh fair and musicianly damsel, fill ye circumambient atmosphere with thy tuneful notes.’
    ‘Wilco. Roger,’ she snickered. ‘Over and out.’
    She took up a violin – Crane’s violin – and played. First his favorites; crashing selections from operas and solos by the great masters, abounding in harmonies on two strings. Then she slowly changed her playing to softer, simpler melodies, then to old, old songs. Seaton, listening with profound enjoyment, relaxed more and more. Pipe finished and hands at rest, his eyes closed of themselves and he lay back at ease. The music changed again, gradually, to reveries; each one softer, slower, dreamier than the last. Then to sheer, crooning lullabies; and it was in these that magnificent instrument and consummate artist combined to show their true qualities at their very best.
    Dorothy diminuendoed the final note into silence and stood there, bow poised, ready to resume; but there was no need. Freed from the tyranny of the brain that had been driving it so unmercifully, Seaton’s body had begun to make up for many hours of lost sleep.
    Assured that he was really asleep, Dorothy tiptoed to the door of the study and whispered, ‘He’s asleep in his chair.’
    ‘I believe that,’ her father smiled. ‘That last one was like a bottle of veronal – it was all Crane and I could do to keep each other awake. You’re a smart girl.’
    ‘She is a musician,’ Crane said. ‘What a musician!’
    ‘Partly me, of course, but –
what
a violin! But what’ll we do with him? Let him sleep there?’
    ‘No, he’d be more comfortable on the couch. I’ll get a couple of blankets,’ Vaneman said.
    He did so and the three went into the living room together.Seaton lay motionless, only the lifting and falling of his powerful chest showing that he was alive.
    ‘You take his …’
    ‘Sh … Sh!’ Dorothy whispered, intensely. ‘You’ll wake him up, dad.’
    ‘Bosh! You couldn’t wake him up now with a club. You take his head and shoulders, Crane – heave-ho!’
    With Dorothy anxiously watching the proceedings and trying to help, the two men picked Seaton up out of the chair and carried him across the room to the couch. They removed his outer clothing; the girl arranged