“No, I am not lying. What I have told you is true. It is because I will not lie that I have not told you more. And I thank you for the time you have given me, Mr. Holt. That you have not driven me from your cabin is a kindness which I appreciate. I have made a mistake, that is all. I thought—”
“How could I bring about what you ask?” he interrupted.
“I don’t know. You are a man. I believed you could plan a way, but I see now how foolish I have been. It is impossible.” Her hand reached slowly for the knob of the door.
“Yes, you are foolish,” he agreed, and his voice was softer. “Don’t let such thoughts overcome you, Miss Standish. Go back to your cabin and get a night’s sleep. Don’t let Rossland worry you. If you want me to settle with that man—”
“Good night, Mr. Holt.”
She was opening the door. And as she went out she turned a little and looked at him, and now she was smiling, and there were tears in her eyes.
“Good night.”
“Good night.”
The door closed behind her. He heard her retreating footsteps. In half a minute he would have called her back. But it was too late.