"Oh, if I had known we were going to part, how differently I should have spent this evening! I would not have talked away so foolishly, but have asked you so many questions—settled so many things! whereas now I have only a few minutes, and can think of nothing save that you are going away, Cornelius."
He quailed, but only momentarily; if his lip trembled a little, his unmoved look told of unconquerable resolve.
"You, it seems," I resumed, "had nothing to say to me, Cornelius, or you could not have wished to go away thus?"
He drew forth his watch, and said, briefly:
"I must go soon, Daisy."
"Kate says you are to be years away—is it true?"
His silence was equivalent to an assent.
"Well then, give me the farewell of years," I said, passing my arms around his neck, and compelling his face to look down at mine.
He seemed a little troubled, and made a motion to rise. I detained him.
"A little longer," I entreated; "I have thought of some things about which I wish to question you."