The supper was served outdoors on a number of small tables. Through an accident Gerry was seated at so great a distance from Felipe that it was not possible to see his face and so guess from his expression something of what he desired to tell her.
Gerry was puzzled. If what he wished to say had to do with their future happiness, why had he looked so disturbed? And why should it be imperative that he make his confession tonight?
Already it was late, past midnight, and they were both weary. There would be tomorrow and other days.
Really she would have preferred not to talk with Felipe alone tonight. To slip away from the others would be difficult, and without Mrs. Burton's consent Gerry did not like the idea. Yet she did not dare ask for permission, being convinced that because of the lateness of the hour her request would be refused.
She felt that she must do what Felipe had begged of her. There had been something in his manner at once imperative and beseeching.
An unaccustomed shyness, almost a sense of fear, had seized upon Gerry; nevertheless she was prepared to follow Felipe's bidding, no matter how difficult.
To eat or talk gaily to the others was hard. In a half-hearted fashion, Gerry accomplished both results.
Immediately after the supper was finished the guests began saying their farewells.
The hour was long past the one when the young officers and soldiers were required to return to the cantonment. But owing to the play and Mrs. Burton's efforts in their behalf, they had received a special permit from the officer in command of their camp to remain away several hours later than their regulations demanded.
In the midst of the good-bys Gerry and Felipe moved swiftly toward each other.