"Yes, Lois," he said wonderingly; for he was touched by the wistfulness of her plea that he should not fear her influence upon Phil. "You wouldn't have come back to Phil unless you felt you had a right to; I'm sure of that," he said with warmth.
"No; I should not have been base enough for that," she replied, with a little forlorn sigh.
"And as for your going away, it must not be on my account. It isn't necessary for you to go."
He did not speak of Nan; nor did she refer to her again.
"I'm glad this has happened this way. I think we understand a little better. Good-night, Tom!"
"Good-night, Lois!"
Their hands touched. He saw the flutter of her cloak as she passed round the house, seeking the path to Amzi's. The garden was very still when she had gone.