George's heart quickened. She was out there alone. What had her eyes meant? He had never seen them just like that. They had seemed without challenge.
There was a coat closet at the rear of the hall. He ran to it, got a cap and somebody's overcoat, and followed her out.
She sat on the railing, far from the house. The only light upon her was the nebulous reflection from the white earth. He hurried to her, his heart beating to the rhythm of nearer—nearer—nearer——
She stirred.
"As usual with you," she said, "I am unfortunate. I didn't think you would follow me. I came here because I wanted to be alone. I wanted to think. Can you appreciate that?"
He sat on the railing close to her.
"You never want me. I have to grasp what opportunities I can."
He waited for her to rise and wander away. He was prepared to urge her to remain. She didn't move.
"I can't always be running away from you," she said.
She stared straight ahead over the garden, nearly phosphorescent with its snow.