He took it and pressed it hard.
"When can I see you again?" he asked eagerly.
"Never, Mr. Soffy."
"You don't mean that?" he asked, growing suddenly pale.
"Yes," she answered simply, looking at him with a great pity in her lovely eyes.
Without a word, he slowly dropped her hand and left her.
She looked from the window and watched him walk down the steps, his head bowed in thought.
When he reached the gate, he met Brother Hallock. The two shook hands and exchanged a few words.
"What a contrast!" thought Venna, watching the two men. "The one sacrificing all for duty—the other sacrificing duty for self!"
Brother Hallock came directly into the room to Venna.