"Well, good-by," said he. "Say good night to Miss Evarts for me, will you? I've got to run. I'm late for dinner as it is."
She gave him her hand and he held it for a moment. As he did so he looked her full in the face.
"Ellen," said he, "tell me something. Do you care about—Steadman?"
She turned her head slightly from him before replying. Then she looked back again and answered hesitatingly:
"I think—I care."
As she spoke the words she withdrew her hand. Then she flushed and her eyes brightened.
"Dick," she said slowly, in a voice that trembled a little, "I know I care."
The portières fell behind him. Mechanically he put on his overcoat and left the house, pausing for a moment at the top of the steps. A little smile hovered on his lips, but his eyes were very sad.