Mrs. Espart permitted herself the tiniest yawn, but promised to come; and came, bringing Dora.
IV
So Percival's chance came, or so came, rather, his last opportunity—for he ran it to the final moment. Announcement of the Esparts' carriage brought their evening to an end, and he went down with Rollo to see them off. Baxter's preserved its exclusiveness by preserving its old fashions; the staircase was narrow, so the hall. Mrs. Espart went first, then Rollo. Percival followed Dora.
As she came to the pavement she turned to gather her skirts about her. In the action she looked full at him.
The end?
He said: "Dora—do you ever remember?"
Her skirts seemed to have eluded her fingers and she must make another hold at them. He saw the colour flame where her fair face showed it, swiftly, deeply scarlet in that shade on either cheek. He saw her young breast rise as though that red flood drew and held it—saw her lips part for words, and held his breath to catch her voice.
"I have not forgotten," she whispered.