After dinner Lizzie went off to her room.
For a while Roddy and Rachel sat there—She read some book, her eyes often leaving the page and staring into the fire.
Then she got up and said good night. She came over and bent down and kissed him. He caught her arm and held her.
"I say, old girl, it's time we had the same room again—much more convenient." He heard her catch her breath and felt her tremble. She tried to draw her arm away, but he held her.
"Oh! but soon, Roddy—Yes—but not just now—I——"
"Yes—now. I'll see about it to-morrow." She stepped back from him, dragging herself away, and then put her hand to her forehead with a desperate gesture.
"No, no—not——"
He got up and smiling, swaying a little, faced her—
"Yes—I've made up my mind—all this business has got to come to an end—Been goin' long enough."
"What business?"