Parted from Lorelie by adverse fortune what remained for Idris but to face the situation bravely?
"Mademoiselle," he said, using from habit the title that was no longer hers, "I take my leave. Forgive me, if my words have caused you pain. Farewell."
"But not forever. We may meet from time to time as—as friends."
Did she not realize that such friendship might be perilous? No: and as Idris gazed upon her clear eyes he saw there a spirit too pure to suffer itself to do wrong.
"You must forget," she faltered, "that you have ever entertained this—this feeling for me."
Idris smiled bitterly. He knew—she knew—that it was the one event in their lives they never would forget.
At their last parting he had kissed her hand: he did not venture even to touch it now, but, lifting his hat, he quietly withdrew.
With tears in her eyes Lorelie watched him till he was lost to view.
"If you knew the truth," she murmured, "your feeling for me would not be love but hatred."