“I shall not come after to-day,” she announced. “You can finish it to-day.”
“Oh, hardly!” he protested.
“I’ll stay late; but I can’t come again.”
Middleton worked hard, and by evening the panel was finished.
“A thousand thanks,” he said. “And now you’ll have something to eat, won’t you?”
She agreed, and they sat down to a merry meal. The lady surpassed herself in brilliancy, and her mad gayety infected Middleton. Forgetful of his honor and allegiance, he leaned over to toast his guest, with a passionate gaze in his eyes. Insensibly the evening sped away; suddenly the clock struck twelve.
“I am going now,” she said.
“Ah, you won’t leave me!” cried Middleton.
“For the moment.”