“No—Anthony—no!”
“Did I frighten you, darling? I’m sorry—I’m sorry.”
“Not that—you made it clear—I don’t love you—I don’t love you.”
She was almost exultant, so glad was she to have it clear in her mind. He was appalled at her tone, rather than her words.
“What have I done, Horatia? You loved me a moment ago!”
The frightened appeal in his voice broke through her absorption. She faced him quietly, bravely.
“I’ve been wrong, Anthony. I thought perhaps I did love you. But now I’m sure I don’t. I’m sure there can be nothing more between us as I was sure months ago. It’s been wicked to let you in for this—I’m sorry—so terribly sorry. I never in my life liked anyone so much or liked to be with anyone so much, but——”
“But that’s enough to go on. That’s all I ask. You’ve been rushed too hard. Let the question of love go. Let me love you and you like me——”
She left her hands in his.
“It might be enough, dear Anthony, it might be enough except that I love Jim and I must be with Jim.”