"I love you, Moira dear. I needn't tell you how——"
"Don't you suppose that I know already, Jim? But it's so hopeless——"
"Your marriage—a joke! It means nothing——"
"A hideous joke—but a marriage just the same!"
"You can't be tied to this man always——"
"I am tied to him. Oh, Jim—!" she broke off in her despair. "Don't be making it more difficult—don't be pleading with me for that—it's impossible. I'd like to be going with you—away—somewhere just you and I—but I can't——"
"I'll have patience. Some day——"
"No, dear. That's the worst of it. It can't be, ever. I have sworn——"
She stopped and they both listened, Moira started—frightened. From somewhere down the stairway outside came the sounds of a laugh and of voices in conversation.
"Harry!" she gasped. And with quick presence of mind ran to the door, turned the key in the lock and then listened. "My father, too—. They mustn't find you here."