Out of sudden pity she called to him.
"Peter!"
He paused at the door but did not turn.
She collected her courage. Surely it would be better for Peter, then and there, to end. Her spirit was alive to him. It would be an episode, but it would not be sordid. She saw a hundred ways in which Peter might fare so immeasurably worse. For an instant she shrank from the ordeal. She would have to sink her pride and solicit him. It was a bitter part for Vivette. The words dropped from her low and quiet.
"You may stay with me to-night."
Peter turned uncertainly. She saw his face like a beaten flame. He had yet to realise what she was saying.
"We are alone, Peter. You may stay with me here. I ask you to stay."
Now the flame spread in his face unchecked. She had dropped the veil, and he was driven towards her.
"You can do this, Vivette, and yet you will not marry me."