“I hope so.”
“We’ll make it so.”
“If, Ivy. Remember that for a month—”
“A month! But it’ll be just the same. I shall be with you every day. ‘I suppose nine o’clock’s out of the question,’” she mimicked. “I’ll come at eight or seven or six. And stay till mid-night.”
“And a nice character I should get from your father. He’s made me responsible for you, Ivy... Eaton Place. And you have been happy?”
“Oh, Eric, I wish it wasn’t over! Happy!”
Eric laughed and helped her out of the taxi. Her happiness was so radiant that he felt it could not last. As he drove away he wondered whether she had been as radiant with Gaymer. Such intensity of passion was frightening; love that grew from seed to flower and fruit in a single day might die in a single night....
Ivy stood on the doorstep until he was out of sight. Eric stared long at an unlighted cigarette and then searched his pockets for a match. He was bewildered and a little nervous and utterly exhausted....