He turned, with the first sign of kindness he had yet shown to her.
"Don't be frightened," he said gently. "I shall be back in an hour or so."
She clutched him desperately.
"You sha'n't go!" she cried wildly. "You sha'n't go!"
He put her aside firmly.
"Why shouldn't I go? There is nothing to be afraid of. I must help if I can."
The door closed behind them. The girl moved from the wall, and staggered to the table, leaning on it heavily. She was ashen. Her lips were gray. She heard them leave the house—heard the car start, and listened until the sound of it died away in the length of the street. Her strength failed. She sank to her knees. A moan of agony escaped her.
"For nothing...." she whispered. "Oh, God ... for nothing...."
She heard a quiet tap at the door, but could not answer. She saw the door open slowly. An enormous figure stood on the threshold.