Jane turned from him and he let her go without attempt to restrain her further.
"Ma'am, the horses are here. Your foreman said to tell you."
His face lost a measure of its lightness as he stood hat in hand, looking from the man whose face was lined with passion to the girl, flushed and a bit breathless.
"Very well.... And thank you. I'll be out soon."
He stood a moment irresolute, as though he thought his presence might be needed there. Then turned and walked away.
"Your help seems rather unceremonious," Hilton remarked.
"Thanks for that! What if he had seen more? Dick, are you beside yourself? You call this love?"
"It proves that it's love," he replied tensely. "You set me wild with your vagaries, Jane! You—" He checked himself and, with an obvious effort, smiled. Then went on with voice and manner under control: "You see, I am much in love with you and losing you for only a little while puts me a bit off my head.
"I have wanted you for four years and I'm jealous of the months, even the weeks. I'm sure, but that doesn't help much."
"Sure? Of what?"