"What?" he cried, thunderstruck.
"It was dreadful," she said, "I couldn't bear it."
He could say nothing at first, but at length he tried to speak. "Then the money I've spent—and my time?"
"Don't, Jim!" she pleaded. "Not here in the street."
"Very well," he answered stiffly, and was silent until he reached her house. But when she started up the steps he stood still and raised his hat.
"Jim!" she exclaimed, halting. "Aren't you coming in?"
He backed away and would not look at her. "Later," he said.
"Jim!" she cried appealingly.
He turned and went away without another word, doing what he knew he should repent, for she was very sweet, very piteous. She would have run after him to draw him back but—some one was coming. She went into the house and sat in tears, waiting for him to return, but he did not come.
Now the person who was coming was Mrs. Harmon, and she saw it all. She perceived the scowl on Jim's face; she almost heard Beth's pleading. On impulse she turned back as if she had forgotten something, and allowed Jim to overtake her.