His despairing eyes caught the regret in hers.
“You will let me hear from you?” his voice was full of suppressed suffering.
“Of course,” she replied. “Please telegraph if there is any news. I’ll be going down myself in a few days probably. It is becoming rather cheerless here now.” She cast a nervous glance towards the windows against which the rain continued to pound relentlessly.
Her unconcealed trouble kindled a light in Alexis’ eyes. “She is beginning to love me,” he thought. A sense of fear and joy permeated him, but he continued speaking calmly.
“I shall say good-bye to-night, then, so as not to disturb you so early in the morning. Good-bye, Anne—thank you.” His voice broke. He turned and escaped up the stairs.
Pale, a little wistful, Anne watched the boyish figure disappear around the landing.
CHAPTER VIII
MORTAL SIN
Joy irradiating the small, wan features, Claire looked up into Alexis’ face. At the pathetic bewilderment in her eyes, a spasm of contrition shot through him. He sat down beside the bed and took her hand in his.
Dim and bare, the hospital room was stereotyped but comfortable. However, it struck a chill to Alexis’ heart and he shuddered a little, as he returned the feeble pressure of the cold fingers.
“Poor Claire, what a horrible time you’ve had!” he whispered.