“I don’t need to promise.” His left hand was still above his eyes. Helena saw his right clench. She went toward the door.
He went forward to open it for her. As he reached out his hand for the knob she struck it down and flung her arms about him.
“I can’t go like this,” she said passionately. “You must kiss me once more.”
He caught her to him. She saw his eyes blaze as he bent his head, and thought, as far as she was capable of thinking, that her generalities had been correct. Even in the rapture of the moment a pang shot through her. Then she found herself on the other side of the door and heard the key turn in the lock.
She remembered only that she was hungry and tired. She went to the larder, and sat on a box and ate a plate of cold chicken and bread, then went to bed and slept soundly.
CHAPTER XVI.
Next morning the guests of Casa Norte were assembled in the court discussing Clive’s departure and waiting for the traps which would take them for their accustomed drive, when Helena, dressed in her habit, came out of her room and walked up to them.
“Mr. Clive has gone, I suppose?” she asked.
“He left a short time ago,” said Miss Lord. “I am so sorry he will not return. Helena, how can you be so cruel?”
“You are a hypocrite and talking rubbish. I tried to get him away from Mary Gordon, and I lost the game, and I don’t care in the least whether you know it or not. I shall not drive with you this morning. I am going for a ride by myself;” and she left the house.