They had finished breakfast and he paid the bill. She began to put on her gloves.
“Whatever happens to me,” she said, “I shall never forget that you have been very kind.”
She hesitated for a moment and then she seemed to realize more completely how really kind he had been. There had been a certain crude delicacy about his actions which she had under-appreciated. She leaned towards him. There was nothing left this morning of that disfiguring sullenness. Her mouth was soft; her eyes were bright, almost appealing. If Tavernake had been a judge of woman's looks, he must certainly have found her attractive.
“I am very, very grateful to you,” she continued, holding out her hand. “I shall always remember how kind you were. Good-bye!”
“You are not going?” he asked.
She laughed.
“Why, you didn't imagine that you had taken the care of me upon your shoulders for the rest of your life?” she demanded.
“No, I didn't imagine that,” he answered. “At the same time, what plans have you made? Where are you going?”
“Oh! I shall think of something,” she declared, indifferently.
He caught the gleam in her eyes, the sudden hopelessness which fell like a cloud upon her face. He spoke promptly and with decision.