"I wonder? … perhaps … but that does not mitigate my resentment that I am on the outside of everything when I belong on the in. I should never have been forced to strive after what is mine by natural right."
"Well, don't let it make a socialist of you. That is such a cheap revenge on society…. Confession of failure; and nothing in it."
IV
He looked at his watch: "Eight o'clock. I'll be getting on to the
Presidio. Why don't you come with me?"
Gora's feminine instincts arose from a less perverted source than her social. She shook her head with a smile.
"I don't want to go any farther from my house. I shall slip down my first chance; and I have plenty to eat. Perhaps you will come to see me before you go if my house is spared."
"Rather. What is the number? And if the house goes I'll find you somehow."
He took her hand in both his and shook it warmly. "You are the best pal in the world—"
"Now don't make me a nice little speech. I'm only too glad. Go out to the Presidio and get a hot breakfast and attend—to—to your affairs. I am sure everything will be all right, although you may not be able to get away as soon as you hope."
"I don't like leaving you alone here—"