"Leave the house at ten sharp, and walk toward the town; I'll be watching for you. You'll come?"
"Yes, sir."
XXV
Near the Fultons, fronting on the street, is a large overgrown yard that has never been built on. Here in the shadow of a great cedar tree I waited and watched for Hilda. On the stroke of ten I saw her coming. She had a neat, brave, brisk way of walking, her head well up, as if she was afraid of nothing. A few moments later I hailed her from under my cedar, and after glancing up and down the street to see if anyone was watching, she joined me there.
It was very dark. I could just make out her face. She was breathing fast and had one hand pressed upon her heart.
"Thank you for coming, Hilda. You saw Mrs. Fulton and me in the hall?"
"And heard you."
"I'm throwing myself on your mercy, Hilda. Mrs. Fulton and I love each other. When we get back to New York we are going to tell Mr. Fulton. He will let Mrs. Fulton divorce him, and then we are to be married. You'll be my friend, won't you, and not tell? There's been nothing wrong, Hilda——"
"Only kisses."