Betty smiled. Then, sober again, said:
“But you should have brought the soldiers with, you.”
“Oh, no. I preferred being alone.”
“But I don't think you understand. It isn't safe to go about alone now. Not if you're a white man. I don't like to think that I've put you in danger.”
“You haven't. It doesn't matter. As I was about to tell you... you must understand that I assume no interest on your part—I can't do that, of course—but after what happened, that night on the ship...” He was ha\ing difficulty with this set speech of his. Betty averted her face to hide the warm color that came. Why on earth need he come out with it so heavily! Whatever had happened had happened, that was all!... His voice was going on. Something about a divorce. He was to be free shortly. He said that. He sounded almost cold about it, deliberate. And he had come clear out here to T'ainan just to say that. He was assuming, of course. To a painful degree. He seemed to feel that he owed it to her to make some sort of payment... for kissing her... and the payment, apparently, was to be himself. She was moved by a little wave of anger. She managed to say:
“We won't talk about that.”
“I felt that I must tell you. I'll go now, of course.”
“But...”
“As soon as I am free I shall write you. I will ask you, then, to be my wife.”
He drew himself up, at this, stiffly.