He was silent for several seconds, looking at her. Then very suddenly his attitude changed. He knelt down by her side and spoke, urgently, passionately.
"Juliet—for God's sake—let us remember what we are to each other—and put the rest away!"
His arm encircled her. He would have drawn her close, but she held back with a sharp sound that was almost a cry of pain.
"Dick, wait—wait a moment! You don't know—don't understand! Ah, wait—please wait! Take your arm away—just for a moment—please—just for a moment! I have something to tell you, but I can't say it like this. I can't—I can't! Ah! What is that?"
She broke off, gasping, almost fighting for breath, as the sudden rush and hoot of a car sounded at the gate.
Dick got to his feet. His face was white. "Are you expecting someone?" he said.
She clasped her hands tightly upon her breast to still her agitation.
"No, I'm not expecting—anyone. But—but—someone—has come."
"Evidently," said Dick.
He turned towards the door, but in a moment she had sprung up, reaching it before him. "Dick, if it is Saltash—"
"Why should it be Saltash?" he said, with that in his voice that arrested her as compelling as if he had laid a hand upon her.