“And is it ‘business,’ which keeps you?—will you ever come back to Northumberland?”
“Yes, it is business that keeps me—important business. Whether or not I shall return to Northumberland, depends on the outcome of that business.”
“Why did you leave without a word of farewell to your friends?” she persisted.
“Was that unusual?” said Croyden. “Has 132 any of my friends cared—sincerely cared? Has any one so much as inquired for me?”
She looked away.
“They thought you were called to Europe, suddenly,” she replied.
“For which thinking you were responsible, Elaine.”
“Why I?” she demanded.
“You were the only one I told.”
Her eyes sought his, then fell.