She sighed and looked away into the shadows beyond the table.
"My inclination's always to do what you want.… I'm glad for both our sakes that this came when it did. I couldn't have made you happy while I was uncertain.…"
"And, if the war ended to-morrow and Jack came back safe and sound next week, what then?"
"It depends on him. I gave him my solemn promise, when I was trying to make reparation."
"And I don't count at all. After all our love, you could forget me——"
"I could never forget you, sweetheart."
"But—you're willing to try?"
"What else can I do? Oh, what a muddle I've made of our lives!"
Eric had determined to be patient and restrained; but his voice, uncontrolled and scornful, seemed to come from a distance.
"Will you make it any better by keeping faith with Jack and breaking it with me? You'll be unhappy all your life, you'll never forgive yourself, you'll never forget the wrong you've done me, if you marry any one else!"