“No,” the girl demurred. “I don't want you to do that.”
“I am very unreasonable,” he said, humbly. “But the rest of the world is a shadow. You are my one reality. There is nothing in the universe but you.”
She brushed her eyes fiercely. “I mustn't cry. I'll have to explain it if I do, and the lids will be red all day.”
The man felt internally seared, as by burning lava, with the conviction that he had staked his all late in life on what could never be really his. She would diffuse herself through many. He was concentrated in her. His passion had its lips burned shut.
“I am Providence's favorite bag-holder,” was his bitter thought. “The game is never for me.”
“Good-bye,” said Lily.
“Good-bye,” said Maurice.
“Are you coming into the casino to-night?”
“If you will be there.”
“I have promised a lot of dances. Good-bye. Go back and work.”