The Beggar Man had turned to the door.
"Well, good-bye," he said constrainedly.
Another moment and he would be gone, she knew, and, in desperation, Faith took a quick step towards him....
"Nicholas ... will you ... I want you to stay at home."
She was crimson, and she could not meet his eyes; but she knew his were upon her, and her heart seemed to stop beating while she waited for his answer.
It was a long time coming. Then the Beggar Man said, very gently:
"I am sorry. I am afraid it is quite impossible, Faith."
She drew back at once.
"Oh ... very well!" she said blankly, and the next moment he had gone....