"Mr. Ross, may I ask why you are so solicitous in this matter? On my last interview with you, you asked me many irrelevant and highly personal questions. I responded to your advertisement, I came in good faith to accept the work if it were offered me. I did not anticipate a cross-examination, or interference with my private affairs." Resentment was fast getting the better of her discretion and she spoke with all the bitterness of a lost illusion. "I might ask you in turn how long you have been officially connected with this museum, and whether that advertisement was really inserted in good faith or with an ulterior motive. I would demand also to know why you have been following me about the streets, but the motive for your annoyance does not interest me. I decline absolutely to have anything further to do with this work, and I must request that you let me go at once."
Herbert Ross sprang from his chair and placed himself between her and the door.
"Miss Shaw, you shall not leave until one thing is plain to you. I have tried to be your friend. You have repelled every overture from me, but believe it or not as you please, my only desire is to protect you. If I have followed you in the street, it was from a motive far removed from any intention to annoy you." The young man, too, seemed in danger of losing his self-control. His face flushed and his voice grew hoarse. "Suppose I were to tell you that I have followed you because I could not help myself, because in spite of appearances, in spite of my certain knowledge, I believe in you, I want your friendship, your confidence, your—your liking—"
"I cannot suppose you would venture such an assertion, Mr. Ross; you are far too shrewd to insult my intelligence." Betty made as if to pass him but he suddenly laid his hands upon her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes.
"Will you at least try to believe this? I mean to be your friend whether you desire it or not. If the time ever comes when you need the help of a man, call me up here. Professor Carmody can reach me, and you will find me at your side."
His hands fell and he walked swiftly to the window where he stood with his shoulders turned to her and his head bowed.
Betty regarded him thoughtfully, a little soft gleam of compunction appearing unbidden in her eyes. She opened her lips to speak, but paused uncertainly and in another moment she had slipped silently from the room.
She stumbled down the steps of the museum and entered the park, her feet mechanically seeking the right path. The naked trees and clustering skeletons of shrubbery upon the brown patches of lawn were blurred and shapeless before her and she seemed to see again the face of Herbert Ross as he wistfully proffered his friendship, the stab of pain in his clear eyes when she refused it.
Once she hesitated and turned as if to go back, but the vague impulse died and she pressed resolutely on. He had found her by a trick, a mere subterfuge; perhaps his offer of friendship was another trap to gain her confidence now. He had sought her out, followed her, spied upon her, and for what purpose than to serve those who were working against her, who might even now be planning a coup which would mean the demolition of her own hopes and drag her down into the ruins?
Matters were in a state of armed truce now between them. When they met again—if they met—it must be open war.