"Listen. I know I am not good like
Beatrice, but I do like you--I always did. I suppose it is that
wonderful truthfulness of yours. You are a different type from
the men one meets. I am rather a reckless person. It is such a
comfort sometimes to meet any one like you. You seem such an
anchorage. Stay and talk to me for a little time. Take me out
to-night. You asked me to go with you once, you know, and I
would not. To-night it is I who ask you."
He shook his head slowly.
"This is good-bye!" he said, firmly. "I suppose, after all, you
were not unkind to me in those days, but you taught me a very
bitter lesson. I came to you to-day in fear and trembling. I
was afraid, perhaps, that the worst was not over, that there was
more yet to come. Now I know that I am free."
She stamped her foot.
"You shall not go away like that," she declared.
He smiled.
"Do you think I do not understand?" he continued. "It is only
because I am able to go, because the touch of your fingers, that
look in your eyes, do not drive me half mad now, that you want me
to stay. You would like to try your powers once more. I think
not. I am satisfied that I am cured indeed, but perhaps it is
safer to risk nothing."
She pointed to the door.
"Very well, then," she ordered, "you can go."
He bowed, and already his fingers were on the handle. Suddenly
she called to him.
"Leonard! Leonard!"
He turned round. She was coming towards him with her arms
outstretched, her eyes were full of tears, there were sobs in her
voice.
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