"And Vina, it was a word of Beth's that started me thinking about you—that made me realize you were in the world…. This moment I would give her my arms, my eyes—for that word of hers."
"She is the truest woman I have ever known," Vina said.
… "The Other is back in New York," Cairns told her a moment later. "I saw him an hour before leaving, but not to speak to…. How strange it would be——"
Vina shook her head.
"Come back to New York with me to-day!" he said suddenly. "Our friends are there. You wouldn't trust anyone to pack the panels you'll need for work here…. Then we'll come back together for the long summer's work—will you?"
"Yes."
There was a quick step below—not the step of the man of flowers. Vina glanced at Cairns, who was smiling.
"I've arranged for servants, of course," he said. "I think dinner is nearly ready…. The table wasn't set for maiden-aunts——"
"The long summer's work together——" she said, in an awed voice.
"But first, our dinner together—you and I—here—oh, Vina!"