She was not deceived by his answer, made a rapid calculation and said abruptly:
"Teddy, tell me the truth. Don't refuse me! ... You may be doing me a favor ... the greatest! ... Is Bruce engaged? That little girl in the box?"
Between them there had been the fullest loyalty, and a confidence since school days. He was not ignorant, therefore, of her infatuation for his friend, though what dramatic turn it might have taken in the years of his absence, he could only speculate.
"Yes, it is true," he said. "It is not to be known ... With you, Louise, it is different: you ought to know!"
She sat down, and he was frightened by the swift, ashen pallor that rushed into her face. Alarmed, he made a movement towards her.
"Wait!" she said, faintly. "There are two questions I must ask ... Did he, Bruce, send you to tell me this?"
"No...." He hesitated, surprised at the question, adding: "That is, I think not...."
"Is it to be public—immediately?"
"No, not at once ... I am sure of that!"
She nodded her head with a little relief, and, incapable of speech, raised her hand weakly as though to excuse herself, then laid it over her heart. He rose, turning his back, steadying himself. At the end of a long moment she touched him on the shoulder.