'Will you stay?'
'No.'
Her hand went to her heart as she saw Rodd. How came he here in this oppressive company? She was sorry and hated his being there.
She received her congratulations listlessly and accepted, without the smallest intention of acting upon her acceptance, all her invitations. Rodd was there. That was all she knew, he was there among those empty, voracious people.
He moved towards her and caught her as she was passed from one group to another.
'Forgive me,' he said. 'I had to come and see you. I thought it was for the last time.... I know all your story, even down to to-night. He is going away.'
'Charles?'
'Yes.'
'I can't stay here. I can't stand it.... You are not going to stay.'
'How do you know?'