She made a vague gesture, which might signify either yes or no.
"It was too hot for you up there, to-night," he went on. "Next time, I shall take you a scat downstairs—as I've always wanted to." As she still did not respond, he added, in a changed voice: "Altogether, though, it will be better for you to get accustomed to going alone to the theatre."
She turned at this, with an indolent curiosity. "Why?"
"Because—why, because it will soon be necessary. I'm going away."
He had made a beginning now, clumsily, and not as he had intended, but it was made, and he would stand fast.
"You are going away?"
She said each word distinctly, as if she doubted her ears.
"Yes."
"Why, Maurice?"
"For several reasons. It's not a new decision. I've been thinking about it for some time."