It was happening, right there; and in the cruellest manner. Henry couldn't speak. He felt as if a fire were burning in his brain.
Al Knight, seeing Mary, drifted back.
The group, over yonder, was breaking up. Or coming this way.
Another moment and Elberforce Jenkins—tall, really good-looking in his perfect-fitting evening clothes—stood before them.
He glanced at Henry. Gave him the cut direct.
'All right,' said Elbow Jenkins, addressing Cicely now, 'we'll go without her. She won't mind.'
Still Cicely hesitated. For a moment, standing there, lips parted a little, looking from one to another. Then, with an air of shyness, apparently still confused, she gave Henry her hand.
'Do come,' she said, with a quick little smile. 'And bring the stories. I'm sure I'd like them.'
She went with them, then.
Henry stared after her with wet eyes. Then for a while he wandered alone among the trees. His thoughts, like his pulse, were racing uncontrollably.