They had kissed for the last time.
* * * * *
As they approached the Inn at the farther end of the village, Falkner was saying in reply to her question:—
"Yes, after I have seen something of Mildred, I shall go to Washington to join the chief. He will want me to live up in the country at the works. I shall like that…. The dam will take three years at least, I suppose. It must be like the work of the ancient Egyptians, for all time and colossal. I wish the work might last out my day!"
The woman's heart tightened. Already he had swung, as she willed, to the one steadfast star in his firmament,—work, accomplishment,—accepting the destiny she had willed, to struggle upwards apart from her to that high altar where they both had stood this night….
When Margaret entered the house, Isabelle's light was still burning and her door was open. She paused as she passed to her room, her coat flung back revealing the soft rose color beneath, and in her white face her eyes shone softly.
"Rob leaves to-morrow morning by the early train," she remarked.
"So soon!"
"Yes,—for the West."
And then Isabelle knew, as Margaret had promised.