"There is only one thing," he answered, "concerning which I am in
the least curious. Last night in the chemist's shop--"
"Don't!" she begged him, with suddenly whitening face. "Don't
speak of that!"
"Very well," he replied, indifferently. "I thought that you were
rather inviting my questions. You need not be afraid of any
more. I really am not curious about personal matters; I find
that my own life absorbs all my interests."
They had finished breakfast and he paid the bill. She began to
put on her gloves.
"Whatever happens to me," she said, "I shall never forget that
you have been very kind."
She hesitated for a moment and then she seemed to realize more
completely how really kind he had been. There had been a certain
crude delicacy about his actions which she had under-appreciated.
She leaned towards him. There was nothing left this morning of
that disfiguring sullenness. Her mouth was soft; her eyes were
bright, almost appealing. If Tavernake had been a judge of
woman's looks, he must certainly have found her attractive.
"I am very, very grateful to you," she continued, holding out her
hand. "I shall always remember how kind you were. Good-bye!"
"You are not going?" he asked.
She laughed.
"Why, you didn't imagine that you had taken the care of me upon
your shoulders for the rest of your life?" she demanded.
"No, I didn't imagine that," he answered. "At the same time,
what plans have you made? Where are you going?"
"Oh! I shall think of something," she declared, indifferently.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57