"You know, of course, that I returned to Sicily, and that I followed you?"
"Yes. And when I learned of it I knew there was but one thing to do."
"I was unwise—disloyal there at Terranova." She met his eyes frankly, but made no sign. "Is that why you avoided me?"
"Ah, let us not speak of that old time. When one severs all connections with the past and begins a new existence, one should not look back. But I have not lost interest in you, my friend, I have learned much from Myra Nell; seeing her was like seeing you, for she hardly speaks of any one else. Many times we nearly met—only a moment separated us—you came as I went, or I came in time barely to miss you. You walked one street as I walked another; we were in the same crowds, our elbows touched, our paths crossed, but we never chanced to meet until this hour. Now I am almost sorry—"
"But why—if you have forgiven me; how could you be so indifferent? You must have known how I longed for you."
Her look checked him on the brink of a passionate avowal.
"Does my profession tell you nothing?" she asked.
"You are a—nurse. What has that to do with it?"
"Do you know that I have been with the Sisters of Mercy? I—I am one of them."
"Impossible!"