They ascended the old staircase together in silence. At her door she held out her hand; he kissed it, released the fingers, but they closed around his and she drew him to her.
"What shall I do?" she said. "Tell me?"
"I don't know, dearest. There seems to be nothing you can do for us."
She bent her head thoughtfully.
"Anything that dishonours me would dishonour you and dad, wouldn't it, Jim?"
"Yes."
She nodded.
"You understand, don't you? I count myself as nothing. Only you count, Jim. But I can't marry you. And I can't go to you otherwise without betraying both dad and you. It isn't a question of my being married and of loving you enough to disregard it. I do. But you and dad require more than that of the girl you made one of your own race. I am loyal to what you both expect of me.... Good night, dear.... There doesn't seem to be any way I can make you happy. The only way I can show my love and gratitude to dad and you is to retain your respect ... by being unkind—Jim—my dearest—dearest——"
She closed her eyes and gave him her lips, slipped swiftly out of his arms and into her room.
"Oh, I'm desperately in love," she said, shaking her head at him as she slowly closed the door. "I'm going to get very, very little sleep, I fear.... Jim?"