She
realized how great a part of his life the thing had become, what
a terrible blow it would be to him to have to abandon it. She
turned and faced him.
"Leonard," she said, "perhaps, after all, you are right. Perhaps
I give way too much to what, after all, is only a sentimental
feeling. I am thankful that you came and told me; I shall always
be thankful for that. Take the money, but pay it back as soon as
you can."
"I shall do that," he answered. "I shall do that you may rely
upon it."
She laid her hand upon his arm.
"Leonard," she begged, "I know that Elizabeth is very beautiful
and very fascinating, and I don't wonder that you like to go and
see her, but I want to ask you to promise me one thing."
He felt as though he were suddenly turned into stone. It was not
possible--it could not be possible that she had guessed his
secret!
"Well?" he demanded.
"Don't let her introduce you to her friends; don't spend too much
time there," she continued. "Elizabeth is my sister and I don't
--really I don't want to say anything that doesn't sound kind,
but her friends are not fit people for you to know, and Elizabeth
--well she hasn't very much heart."
He was silent for several moments.
"How did you know I liked going to see your sister? " he asked,
abruptly.
She smiled.
"My dear Leonard," she said, "you are not very clever at hiding
your feelings. When you came to see me the other day, do you
imagine I believed for a single moment that you asked me to marry
you simply because you cared? I think, Leonard, that it was
because you were afraid, you were afraid of something coming into
your life so big, so terrifying, that you were ready to clutch at
the easiest chance of safety.
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