She looked at him intently, and interpreting the expression he added:
"You wish to ask me something? Am I so very frightful that you dare not question me?"
"Will you tell me the truth, if I ask you?"
"Most assuredly."
"Mr. Palma, when shall I see my mother?"
His eyes went down helplessly before the girl's steady gaze, and he hesitated a moment.
"Really, I cannot tell exactly,—but I hope——"
She put up her small hand quickly, with a gesture that silenced him.
"Don't say any more, please. I never want to know half of anything, and you can't tell me all. Good-night, Mr. Palma."
She shut her eyes.