Helen extended her hand.
“You are very good to say so. But I’m sorry you’re leaving.”
“Au revoir, madame.” He glanced at West and bowed once more. “Monsieur!”
West looked relieved. “Perhaps now we can have a moment together,” he said to Helen. “I have something to say to you. Will you come into the library?”
Helen hesitated. “But only for a moment,” she said. When she had entered the room and taken a seat she asked, in a matter-of-fact tone: “What is it?”
“A few moments ago you told me that you weren’t able to make me out,” West said, slowly.
Helen smiled good-humoredly. “Not quite that, I think. I hadn’t tried very hard.”
“You said you didn’t understand what kind of man I really was.”
Helen moved uneasily. “I really think I ought to go back. You must tell me these things some other time.”
“Wait a minute. I may not have another chance to see you alone to-night. There is something I must say to you now.”