But Reuben took a step so as to impede her. "Is this to be our parting?" he said. "Can you throw away the only friend you've got left?"
"I don't call you a friend," she said.
"You'll know me for being so one day, though, and bitterly rue you didn't pay more heed to my words."
"Never!" she said proudly. "I'd trust Adam with my life: he's true as steel. Now," she added, stepping on one side, "I have no more time to stay: I must go back; so let me pass."
Mechanically Reuben moved. Stung by her words, irritated by a sense of failure, filled with the sharpest jealousy against his rival, he saw no other course open to him than to let her go her way and to go his. "Good-bye, then, Eve," he said, in a dry, cold voice.
"Good-bye," she answered.
"I don't think, after what's passed, you need expect to see me again," he ventured, with the secret hope that she would pause and say something that might lead to a fresh discussion.
"I had no notion that you'd still have a thought of coming. I should look upon a visit from you as very out of place."
"Oh, well, be sure I sha'n't force myself where I'm not wanted."
"Then you'll be wise to stay away, for you'll never be wanted where I am."