"Well—we both agree. Is that it? We feel that we don't suit, and can't get on together."
"If you make my coming that evening a sine quâ non!"
"I do make it!" she responded passionately. "I told my aunt it should be a test-case. And you fail to meet the test."
Rob's eyes met hers; quiet eyes, full of patience, full also of pain. She found it difficult to meet them, but anger helped her through.
"I don't believe you love me. If you did, you could not say 'no' to such a little, little request! It is absurd. You could come if you chose; and you do not choose. Once more I give you the chance! Once more, Rob!" She held out her pretty hands, and lifted her lovely eyes to his. "If you love me—if you care—give in this once. Just this once! I won't ask it again. I'll be good in the future. Only this once!"
The tone was almost entreating, but he said gently—"I am very sorry. It is impossible. I am pledged to the other."
"Very well! You've taken your choice. It's all over!"
She dropped her hands and stood facing him, a scornful smile on her lips—lovely still, in spite of the scorn. Rob remained motionless, drinking in her beauty. And well he might; for, though neither he nor she could guess what lay ahead, he would never again set eyes upon that rare and perfect colouring.
"Well—good-bye!" she said coldly.
She brushed past him, moving with unusual haste, and left him alone. Going upstairs she set to work, precisely as if nothing had happened, upon the dress arrangements for her acting.