That walk by the ineffectual light of a young moon brought about a significant change in the relations between the man and girl. The last reserves were swept away. The sweeping had been drastic; it left not so much as a shadow of doubt in the mind of each in regard to the other. They were profoundly interested in one another, with an interest which struck deeper than the repugnances which both were conscious existed. The girl liked the man and was horrified at his weakness; the man liked the girl and resented her interference: their mutual regard was stronger than their antagonism.
The people at the hotel watched the development of the friendship distrustfully. They did not approve of the man. All they knew of him was to his discredit. The general opinion was that it was well the girl was leaving so soon.
“You appear to be great friends with Mr Hallam,” the old lady who was nervous of the mountain road observed one day to Esmé. “What a terrible thing it is to see a young man deliberately making wreck of his life. Don’t you think so?”
“I do,” Esmé answered gravely. “One day he will come to think so too; and then he will change.”
The old lady shook her head.
“I should doubt it very strongly,” she said. She considered it regrettable that the girl should cherish hopes of so improbable a reform.
“There is nothing that the human will cannot accomplish, when the will to accomplish a thing is strong enough,” Esmé said with quiet conviction.
“You think that?”
“I am sure of it.”
“Then, why does not Mr Hallam make some effort to overcome his failing?”