“Pshaw!” said Vane. “If it will ease your mind, you can send me what they cost after the first full house you draw.”
“How shall we address you?”
“Clermont Mineral Exploitation. I don’t want to think I’m going to lose sight of you.”
Kitty turned away from him a moment, and then looked back.
“I’m afraid you must make up your mind to that,” she said.
Vane could not remember his answer, though he afterwards tried; but just then an official strode along beside the cars calling to the passengers, and when a bell began tolling Vane hurried the girl and her companions on to a platform. Mrs. Marvin entered the car, Elsie held up her face to kiss him before she disappeared, and he and Kitty were left alone. She held out her hand, and a liquid gleam crept into her eyes.
“We can’t thank you properly,” she said. “Good-bye.”
“No,” Vane protested. “You mustn’t say that.”
“Yes,” said Kitty firmly. “It’s good-bye. You’ll be carried on in a moment.”
Vane gazed down at her, and afterwards wondered at what he did; but she looked so forlorn and desolate, and the pretty face was so close to him. Stooping swiftly, he kissed her, and had a thrilling fancy that she did not recoil; then the cars lurched forward, and he swung himself down.