“If I had been here at the time, it would never have happened.”
“I think it would. I was fascinated by his very vehemence. Now, I know better. I want only your gentle, dear love, that will comfort and content me as he never could.”
“You poor little darling. I wish I could give it to you now. Mayn’t I kiss you once—just once, Joyce?”
“No, Eugene. Not yet. Some day—when I can’t be patient any longer. When the hunger for your big, sweet affection becomes too intense—the craving too uncontrollable.”
She turned away from him and looked off toward the glowing richness of the autumn foliage.
“When the robins nest again,” she said, with a little pathetic smile at the quotation. “But now, dear, sit down, I’ve a lot to tell you. I’m glad you came over, I was going to send for you.”
And then, without further preamble, Joyce told him the whole story of Orienta and her revelations.
Courtenay listened, his eyes growing dark with anxiety as the story progressed.
“Who was the man?” he asked quietly, as she finished.
“Why, I don’t know. Not a tramp, of course. But, perhaps some blackmailer. You know—Eric’s life wasn’t spotless.”