I was silent a moment. "Yes, something has happened. I am going to leave New York."
"Going to leave New York!" he stopped abruptly, and looked at me with amazement.
"Yes," I said quietly. "My aunt has sent for me, and it is imperative that I should go. She is in trouble and needs me. It is a long story, and one with which I will not weary you. It is not necessary that you should be burdened with my private affairs; you have enough troubles of your own. Let us change the subject, please. But you will have to let me go to-morrow, Mr. Prime. I am very sorry to inconvenience you, but, as I have already said, it is imperative."
My words were so cold that I could see he was puzzled, and my heart softened toward him a little. At least he had been kind to me. He walked on for a few moments without speaking. We entered the Park, and turned into a path where we should be unobserved.
"I have no right to inquire into your private affairs, I well know," he said presently, "but I wish you would let me help you."
"I am sure of your sympathy, Mr. Prime; and if you could be of any service in the matter, I would call upon you."
"Where does your aunt live?"
"I had rather not answer that question."
He looked grave, and as I glanced at him a frown passed over his face. "He is thinking doubtless," thought I, "that it is I who have done something wrong, and am trying to mislead him; or he is reflecting how wise he was not to offer himself to a woman with whose antecedents he is unacquainted. He mistrusts me at the first hint of suspicion, and would sacrifice his love on the altar of conventionality." Curiously enough, I seemed to take it for granted that he was in love with me.
"And you must go to-morrow?" he asked.