"Will you be my friend, really my friend? You understand me?"
"I think I understand, but I doubt whether it is possible."
"Everything is possible. Will you shake hands with me, and, when you
come to see me again, let us meet as if I were a modest girl, and
you had got to know me in a respectable house, and not in the street
at midnight?"
"You really wish it? You are not joking?"
"I am in sober earnest, and I wish it. You won't refuse?"
"If I did I should refuse a great happiness."
He took her hand and again released it.
"And now look at the time," said she, pointing to a clock on the
mantelpiece. "Half-past one. How will you get home?"
"Walk. It won't take me more than an hour. May I light my pipe
before I start?"
"Of course you may. When shall I see you again?"
"Shall we say this night next week?"
"Very well. Come here any time you like in the evening. I will be at
home after six. And then I can give you your book back."
Waymark lit his pipe, stooped to give Grim a stroke, and buttoned up
his coat. Ida led the way downstairs. They shook hands again, and
parted.
CHAPTER XII
RENT DAY
It was much after his usual hour when Waymark awoke on Good Friday
morning.
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