She stood looking up at him with wide eyes and parted lips, then suddenly she broke out again––
“I don’t know what you mean. I’ll never forgive June if she sent you after me. I’m going to Paris. I’m not a child to be followed and looked after like this.... Let me go.”
Micky released her arm at once. When he spoke his voice was quiet and rather stern.
“Please don’t make a scene. I have followed you for your own sake. I know I can’t stop you from going to Paris. I’m not going to try. All I do ask you is that you will let me speak to you. If what I have to say is useless, I give you my word of honour that I will leave you here and let you go on to Paris alone.”
She looked at him with stormy eyes.
“I don’t believe it––it isn’t the first time you’ve lied to me....” she broke off breathlessly. Micky turned pale, but he answered evenly enough––
“You’re quite justified in saying that; I’m not going to try and deny it. But we can’t stand here all night––people are beginning to stare at us....”
“I don’t care–––” but she dropped her voice a little, and when Micky made a slight movement forward she followed.
It was cold on the quay––there was a fresh wind blowing, and Esther shivered.
“There’s a restaurant place here,” Micky said. “I want a meal if you don’t; I haven’t had anything since breakfast.”