CHAPTER XXVI "LET US BE ENTIRELY FRANK WITH ONE ANOTHER"
Eleanor walked far out on the country road. She met no one and felt no fear. There was in her heart, on the contrary, a bitter satisfaction in feeling that she was doing what Cora Scott would not dream of doing and what Mrs. Lister would heartily disapprove of. She felt a sullen indifference to Waltonville's rules of conduct.
As she went on she made plans. As soon as arrangements could be completed, they would go away to return no more. She would leave behind her all the gifts which Dr. Green had showered upon her since her childhood. She saw his strong-featured face, animated by intellect and will, and then Margie's frightened eyes and her trembling mouth. For herself she would not have anything to do with love in any of its manifestations.
But when she had turned back, she said under her breath, "Oh, Richard, Richard!"
As she passed Dr. Green's door, walking rapidly because she felt sudden compunction on her mother's account, he appeared on the step and spoke to her with astonishment.
"Where have you been at this hour, Eleanor?"
Eleanor looked up at him, hating his authoritative voice.
"I've been walking in the country."