A sudden roar of wind in the chimney startled them both, and recalled him to some consciousness of the outer world. He took his hat from the table, and held the door for her to pass.
"Good-bye," she panted, still with her eyes averted.
"I'm coming with you."
"No, you are not!"
"Pardon me, but I think I am."
"No!" Barbara repeated. He smiled, but followed her. She turned on the stairs in angry helplessness and faced him. "But I would rather you didn't!" she exclaimed.
"Did you come alone?"
"Yes, and I can go back alone."
"But Mr. Hayes—what did he say?"
"He is out, he didn't know. Oh!" with a terrified glance, "if he should be back first!"