“Evans, I won’t go to the Townes if you want me to stay.”
He looked up at her as she bent above him with the lantern. She seemed to shine within and without, like some celestial visitor.
“Would you stay, Jane, if I wanted it?”
“Yes.”
He stood up. “I don’t want it. Not really. I’m not quite such a selfish pig,” his smile was ghastly.
She was silent for a moment, then she said, “I’m going home with you, Evans. Wait until I tell Sophy to send Briggs after me.”
He tried to protest, but she was firm. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
She returned presently, the lantern in one hand and her slipper bag in the other. “I put on heavier shoes. I should ruin my slippers.”
As they trod the path together, the light of the lantern shone in round spots of gold, now in front of them, now behind them. The fog pressed close, but the path was clear.
“Evans,” said Jane, “I want you to promise me something.”