“That cannot be now.”
“I understand. I didn’t expect—I didn’t think....”
Allie Lee had believed many times that her heart was breaking, but now she knew it had never broken till then. Why did he not turn to see her waiting there—stricken motionless and voiceless, wild to give the lie to those cold, strange words?
“Then, Neale—if you will not accept anything from me, let us terminate this painful interview,” said Allison Lee.
“I’m sorry. I only wanted to tell you—and ask to see—Allie—a moment,” replied Neale.
“No. It might cause a breakdown. I don’t want to risk anything that might prevent my taking the next train with her.”
“Going to take her—back East?” asked Neale, as if talking to himself.
“Certainly.”
“Then—I—won’t see her!” Neale murmured, dazedly.
At this juncture General Lodge stepped out. His face was dark, his mouth stern.