'I should like never to let you go again.'
'But you're leaving to-morrow.'
'Not unless you wish me to, dear.'
Kate did not stop to consider the impossibility of his fulfilling his promise, and, her heart beating, she went upstairs. On the first landing he stopped her, and laying his hand on her arm, said, 'And would you really be very glad if I were to stay with you?'
'You know I would, Dick.'
They could not see each other, and after a long silence she said, 'We mustn't stop here talking. Mrs. Ede sleeps, you know, in the room at the back of the workroom, and she might hear us.'
'Then come into the sitting-room,' said Dick, taking her hands and drawing her towards him.
'I cannot.'
'I love you better than anyone in the world.'
'No, no; why should you love me?'