When the
evening is nearly over, will you find me and take me to some place
where we may not be interrupted? I will explain."
Without waiting for his assent, she left him, and returned with a
laugh to the side of Marguerite, who was shaking a finger
threateningly at her.
It was now past one o'clock: guests were already leaving.
When Rowan went for Isabel, she was sitting with Professor Hardage.
They were not talking; and her eyes had a look of strained
expectancy. As soon as she saw him, she rose and held out her hand
to Professor Hardage; then without speaking and still without
looking at him, she placed the tips of her fingers on the elbow of
his sleeve. As they walked away, she renewed her request in a low
voice: "Take me where we shall be undisturbed."
They left the rooms. It was an interval between the dances: the
verandas were crowded. They passed out into the yard. Along the
cool paths, college boys and college girls strolled by in couples,
not caring who listened to their words and with that laughter of
youth, the whole meaning of which is never realized save by those
who hear it after they have lost it. Older couples sat here and
there in quiet nooks--with talk not meant to be heard and with
occasional laughter so different.
They moved on, seeking greater privacy. Marguerite's lamps were
burnt out--brief flames as measured by human passion. But overhead
burnt the million torches of the stars. How brief all human
passion measured by that long, long light!
He stopped at last:
"Here?"
She placed herself as far as possible from him.
Pages:
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152