“And never come back, never?”
“Not unless I am sent for. Life is short and holds enough pain at best. I have several projects in mind, and I shall be free to follow them where they lead. I’ll go to Mexico first. They’ve barely scratched the resources down there. Later I go to South America. Afterward—I haven’t planned. I’ll simply follow the lead. There’s work enough to do.”
The girl looked at him—through eyes that held their old marvel, almost their old fear.
“You can cut yourself off so, from all the old life, really?” she voiced.
“Yes, Elice.”
It was finality absolute, the last word, the ultimatum.
“And still you love me?” breathed the girl low.
“More than I love life. You don’t doubt it.”
From her seat the girl arose abruptly and 341 passed the length of the room with long, unconscious strides, like a man. She made no effort at dissimulation or concealment now. The time for that was past. She merely fought—openly, but in silence. Once she sat down for a moment; but for a moment only. Again she was on her feet. A bit later she asked the time, and very quietly Roberts told her. She went to the window in the front of the house commanding the street and scrutinized its length. She returned and resumed her seat.
“Can I help you in any way, Elice?” asked Roberts, gently.