“Loved me?” He finished the sentence for her slowly, all his affectation of hardness dropping like a mask. “No, you are right. That always settled it. I know I’m a fool,” he went on in a perfectly quiet voice. “Don’t think I don’t know it. I’m like a child crying because a star never came down from the sky to—to be treasured by him.”
Rose put out her hand to him, the room swimming before her eyes.
“Dear old Dick!”
He drew himself up.
“I’m off,” he said, abruptly. “Good-bye, Mrs. Summers.” He took both her hands in one of his.
“You won’t stay to see——” began Rose in irresolute consternation.
“No,” he returned, firmly. “After all, I’ve said good-bye.”
She looked at him, and did not argue.
“God bless you, Dick,” she whispered.
“Give my love to Cecily,” he said, turning at the door.