"I realize that," dryly. "But you may be responsible for it. She had no idea of leaving yesterday."
"Benis, I swear—"
"It is not necessary. Besides," bitterly, "you could afford to be patient. You felt fairly—sure, didn't you?"
"Sure! No, I—"
"You mean you merely hoped?"
"Oh—damn!"
"Quite so. There is nothing to say. Not being a sentimentalist, I shan't pretend to love you, John. But I gambled and I've lost. I have always admired a good loser."
CHAPTER XXXV
Upon reaching home Benis found Aunt Caroline waiting for him just inside the outer gate.