He was flustered and scared. Steppe might return at any moment.
"I'm sorry I have outraged the proprieties," said Beryl with a little smile. "Did that child from the druggist's have a chaperon?"
"Eh?" Ronnie was startled.
"I saw her come in and I saw her go out. I've been waiting for an opportunity of seeing you. She's pretty, but, oh, Ronald, she's only a baby!"
Ronnie made a quick recovery from his surprise. If she had seen Evie, she had also seen Steppe and must be sure that he had gone. She would probably know from her father what were their plans for the night.
"I give you my word of honor, Beryl," said he earnestly, "that she merely came to see me about her sister—you know her, Christina, I think she is called. Evie is very anxious that I should help send her abroad. As far as Evie is concerned, you can put your mind at rest. I give you my solemn word of honor that I have never a& much as held her hand."
She knew he was lying, but tonight of all nights she must accept his word. She was in a fever: it was almost painful to hold fast to the last shreds of her failing reserve.
"Ronald." Her voice was tremulous and he braced himself for a scene. "You don't want me to marry Steppe?"
So that was it. And he had thought she had accepted the position so admirably.
"Ronald, you know it would be—death to me—worse than death to me. Can't you—can't you use your imagination?"