"You will tell no one of this?"
"I reserve the right to tell my brother."
Wenderby rose to go. He hesitated as they stood together.
"Mary," he said, "I have talked coolly and sensibly. It was not easy. Try and believe that." His voice sank under the burden of his sincerity.
"I care with my whole soul," he added abruptly.
She met his look with understanding and compassion.
He took the hand Peter had touched and lifted it. She drew it impulsively away, giving him the other hand.
"A year from now," he said, and, kissing her fingers, went quickly from the room.