“With me or with any one else—”
“No—not with you,” he said with sudden emphasis.
“Why not with me?”
“Because I like you very much,” he answered boldly, and they stood looking at each other in the middle of the road.
Clare had started in surprise, and the colour rose slowly to her face, but she would not take her eyes from his. For the first time it seemed to her that he had no power over her.
“I’m sorry,” she answered. “For I don’t like you.”
“Are you in earnest?” He could not help laughing.
“Yes.” There was no mistaking her tone.
Johnstone’s face changed, and for the first time in their acquaintance he was the one to turn his eyes away.
“I’m sorry too,” he said quietly. “Shall we turn back?” he asked after a moment’s pause.