‘How long must I wait ere you consider Carrie of an age to choose for herself?’ asked Phil.
‘Two years, at the earliest. You will then be of an age to judge for yourself, though young enough to marry, in all conscience.’
‘And during these two years how much may I see of Carrie?’
‘Nothing.’
‘I may write to her at times?’
‘No, never; you forget, Mr. Meadowes, that my object is that you should forget one another so speedily as may be.’
Philip bowed, accepting the inevitable.
‘If that be all, there remains nothing but that I should say my farewells,’ said he.
‘Nothing; the sooner and the shorter they are the better,’ said Sebastian. He looked at the two young people before him. Carrie stood scared and silent by the window.
Phil crossed over to where she stood and gathered her up in his arms, kissing her long and fondly.