“One who has never been accused of trying to make a man love her, and when she has him in that fix, declare that she only likes him and hopes that they will always be friends,” kept ringing in his ears. Certain it was that since she had met him Diana had tried to make him love her. Would she stand the test?
VII.
Andrews did not come to work the day after. “He ’phoned me that he would not be down until afternoon,” said Roberts, when Harris called to see his friend. “He is not feeling well. But, Harris, you have not met my niece. Come this way.” An urgent message intercepted him as they went to Andrews’ room, and hearing that his niece and Harris were old acquaintances, Harris was left to renew his friendship.
Somehow, Harris had not met the young lady since her arrival at Mulford. He avoided all parties and gatherings which he knew she was to attend and once he had gone away just as he reached the door of a friend’s house, because he caught a glimpse of her as she talked to Walter Andrews.
Harris stopped at the door. Should he go in or should he meet her and denounce her and her works? He decided on the latter and knocked at the office. A low voice bade him enter. Closing the door he turned and saw the beautiful woman reading a book. Looking her full in the face he said, “Diana.”
“John!” she exclaimed.
“Yes, it is John. Diana, have you changed your mind?” Somehow the dreadful words which he had planned to utter failed to come and instead he realized that he loved her, and loved with his whole heart.
Diana was silent. “Then you still do not love me?” he asked.
“I really do not know,” she replied softly.
Harris started for the door.