Lois did not speak. Oh, why did not Helen come?
"A different scene this from that night after the dinner party," Dick thought, looking at her downcast eyes and trembling hands with cruel exultation in his face, "If I cared!"
"How I have adored Ashurst!" he said slowly, wondering how far it would be safe to go. "I have been very happy here. I hope I shall be still happier, Lois?"
Still she did not answer, but she pressed her hands hard together. Dick looked at her critically.
"When I come again,—oh, when I come again,—then, if you have not forgotten me—Tell me you will not forget me, until I come again?"
Lois shook her head. Dick had drawn her to a seat, and his eager face was close to hers.
"I said good-by to the rector this afternoon," he said, "but I felt I must see you again, alone."
Lois was silent.
"I wonder if you know," he went on, "how often I shall think of Ashurst, and of you?"
He had possessed himself of her hand, which was cold and rigid, but lay passively in his. She had turned her face away from him, and in a stunned, helpless way was waiting for the question which seemed on his lips. "And you know what my thoughts will be," he said meaningly. "You make Ashurst beautiful."