“Why, he's gone by this time, I suppose,” said Putney. “I tried to get him to think about it overnight, but he wouldn't. He's anxious to go and get back, so as to preach his last sermon here Sunday, and he's taken the 9.10, if he hasn't changed his mind.” Putney looked at his watch.
“Let's hope he hasn't,” said Dr. Morrell.
“Which?” asked Putney.
“Changed his mind. I'm sorry he's coming back.”
Annie knew that he was talking at her, though he spoke to Putney; but she was powerless to protest.
XXVIII.
They went away together, leaving her to her despair, which had passed into a sort of torpor by the following night, when Dr. Morrell came again, out of what she knew must be mere humanity; he could not respect her any longer. He told her, as if for her comfort, that Putney had gone to the depot to meet Mr. Peck, who was expected back in the eight-o'clock train, and was to labour with him all night long if necessary to get him to change, or at least postpone, his purpose. The feeling in his favour was growing. Putney hoped to put it so strongly to him as a proof of duty that he could not resist it.
Annie listened comfortlessly. Whatever happened, nothing could take away the shame of her weakness now. She even wished, feebly, vaguely, that she might be forced to keep her word.
A sound of running on the gravel-walk outside and a sharp pull at the door-bell seemed to jerk them both to their feet.