"You're all right!—But I've got to go back home," he broke off abruptly. "I've put it off too long."
She paled and looked away, helpless in her sudden disappointment. "I knew you'd say that…. And I shall just be left here…." She sat down on the sofa near which they had been standing, and two tears formed on her lashes and fell.
Moffatt sat down beside her, and both were silent. She had never seen him at a loss before. She made no attempt to draw nearer, or to use any of the arts of cajolery; but presently she said, without rising: "I saw you look at your watch when I came in. I suppose somebody else is waiting for you."
"It don't matter."
"Some other woman?"
"It don't matter."
"I've wondered so often—but of course I've got no right to ask." She stood up slowly, understanding that he meant to let her go.
"Just tell me one thing—did you never miss me?"
"Oh, damnably!" he brought out with sudden bitterness.
She came nearer, sinking her voice to a low whisper. "It's the only time
I ever really cared—all through!"