“Anyway, as yet you’re reckoning without your host—in this case Elice,” he formalized. “After you’ve seen her—”
“It will merely be ended then—that is all.”
“I’m not so sure, even yet.”
“I repeat that I know, know to finality. Some things one can’t question when they’re awake. Moreover, I have a reason for knowing.”
It was a new note, that last comment; a note of repression where all before had been unrepressed. Moreover, it was a lead intentionally offered.
“What is it, Steve?” asked the other simply. “There’s something yet which you haven’t told me.”
“Yes.” Once more Armstrong’s eyes were 143 on the wall straight before him, the wall he did not see. “I merely suggested it a bit ago. I said Elice had drifted away while I was being patient. At first that drifting was very slow, so slow that I didn’t realize it myself; during the last few months she’s been going fast.” The speaker moistened his lips unconsciously; but, watching, the other noticed. “Things seldom happen in this world without a reason, and they didn’t in this case.” Suddenly, without warning, he whirled, met the other eye to eye. “Do I need to suggest more?” he asked steadily.
“Suggest—more?” Randall’s look was blank. “I don’t believe I understand.”
“I mean concerning—the reason I mentioned. Haven’t you noticed anything yourself, had any intimation?”
“I know nothing, have noticed nothing.”