XXXVI

           Darrowcontinuedtostandbythedoorafterithadclosed.Annafeltthathewaslookingather,andsatstill,disdainingtoseekrefugeinanyevasivewordormovement.Forthelasttimeshewantedtolethimtakefromherthefulnessofwhatthesightofhercouldgive.

           Hecrossedoverandsatdownonthesofa.Foramomentneitherofthemspoke;thenhesaid:“To-night,dearest,Imusthavemyanswer.”

           Shestraightenedherselfundertheshockofhisseemingtotaketheverywordsfromherlips.

           “To-night?”wasallthatshecouldfalter.

           “Imustbeoffbytheearlytrain.Therewon’tbemorethanamomentinthemorning.”

           Hehadtakenherhand,andshesaidtoherselfthatshemustfreeitbeforeshecouldgoonwithwhatshehadtosay.Thensherejectedthisconcessiontoaweaknessshewasresolvedtodefy.Totheendshewouldleaveherhandinhishand,hereyesinhiseyes:shewouldnot,intheirfinalhourtogether,beafraidofanypartofherloveforhim.

           “You’lltellmeto-night,dear,”heinsistedgently;andhisinsistencegaveherthestrengthtospeak.

           “There’ssomethingImustaskyou,”shebrokeout,perceiving,assheheardherwords,thattheywerenotintheleastwhatshehadmeanttosay.

           Hesatstill,waiting,andshepressedon:“Dosuchthingshappentomenoften?”

           Thequietroomseemedtoresoundwiththelongreverberationsofherquestion.Shelookedawayfromhim,andhereleasedherandstoodup.

           “Idon’tknowwhathappenstoothermen.Suchathingneverhappenedtome...”

           Sheturnedhereyesbacktohisface.