"
I saw he was working himself up into a rage; but I could not, if
my life had depended on it, have stood near him or looked at him
any longer. I just managed to stammer out that I had been walking
a long way, and that, not being used to much exercise, I felt
faint and giddy with fatigue. He only changed from angry to sulky
when I made that excuse. I got a little further away from him,
and then added that if he would be at the Mews entrance the next
evening I should have something more to say and something more to
give him. He grumbled a few suspicious words in answer about
doubting whether he should trust me to come back. Fortunately, at
that moment, a policeman passed on the opposite side of the way.
He slunk down the Mews immediately, and I was free to make my
escape.
How I got home I can't say, except that I think I ran the greater
part of the way. Sally opened the door, and asked if anything was
the matter the moment she saw my face. I answered:
"Nothing--nothing." She stopped me as I was going into my room,
and said:
"Smooth your hair a bit, and put your collar straight. There's a
gentleman in there waiting for you."
My heart gave one great bound: I knew who it was in an instant,
and rushed into the room like a mad woman.
"Oh, Robert, Robert!"
All my heart went out to him in those two little words.
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