Ichabod straightened when he heard the voice of the other man, and nervously worked to fold the kerchief as he prepared to pocket it. "I'm fine, thank you," he replied with a quick but nervous smile. "Good evening, sir."
He wondered if he was blocking the entrance to the library, and he moved out of the way. "I apologize if I kept you from the library, I have lingered too long before the door; please do not let me keep you from it." He could not bear the thought of re-entering, though he knew he needed to. There was no reason to let such an unreasonable fear claim him, and although this time he was not curled up in his bed it was embarrassing enough. It could not be allowed to overcome him.
The paleness of his face revealed the truth though, and there was no hiding that, even from a stranger.