She came up to Palla, took both her hands in an odd, subdued, wistful way.

After a moment she kissed her, and, close to her ear: “Wait, darling.”

Palla did not understand.

Ilse said: “I mean––wait before you ever take any step to––to prove any theory––or belief.”

Still Palla did not comprehend.

“With––Jim,” said Ilse in a low voice.

“Oh. Why, of course. But––it could never happen.”

220

“Why?”

Palla said honestly: “One reason is because he wouldn’t anyway.”