And then Adela bethought herself, that though she could say nothing to Caroline, it might not be equally impossible to say something to Bertram. There had been between them a sort of confidence, and if there was any one to whom Adela could now speak freely, it was to him. They each knew something of each other's secrets, and each of them, at least, trusted the other.
But this, if it be done at all, must be done on that evening. There was no probability that they would meet again before her departure. This was the only house in which they did meet, and here Adela had no wish to see him more.
"I am come to say good-bye to you," she said, the first moment she was able to speak to him alone.
"To say good-bye! Is your visit over so soon?"
"I go on Thursday."
"Well, I shall see you again, for I shall come on purpose to make my adieux."
"No, Mr. Bertram; do not do that."
"But I certainly shall."
"No;" and she put out her little hand, and gently—oh! so gently—touched his arm.
"And why not? Why should I not come to see you? I have not so many friends that I can afford to lose you."