"You're not to blame, Camilla—not altogether—and it's not too late to begin again. He needs you now as he has never needed you before. It's your opportunity. I hope you see it."
"I do, I do," came faintly from the coverlid.
"You must see him at once. Do you understand? Shall I send for him?"
"Yes, soon." Camilla sat up and smiled through her tears, drew Rita down alongside of her, put her arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.
"I understand you now. I'm sorry—for many things. I want to know you better, dear. May I?"
"Yes," said Rita calmly, "if you can. Perhaps then you might explain me to myself. But I'm going to New York again soon—something tells me you are to stay here."
"I will stay here now," said Camilla proudly, "if Jeff wants me. Are you sure—sure—he——"
Rita held her off at arm's length, quizzically—tantalizing her purposely.
"No, silly. He loves me, of course—that's why I'm presenting him to you." Then she leaned forward, kissed her on the cheek, and rose quickly.
"It's pretty late. I must catch the eleven o'clock train. I have a lot to do. I'm going into my own room."