terly. Instead of the excitement when they had discussed the Laurencin idea she now felt despondency because he seemed to be pushing her away with ideas for work. "I can see myself traveling around, rehearsing all day and giving shows all night. You won't see me for years. Judock wants us to go to Australia, Japan, and India too."
The possibility of not seeing her again came as an unpleasant prospect. "I hope it won't be years and, who knows, you may dance in Paris sometime when I am there? You'll find seeing the world exciting."
"I always thought if I traveled it would be to Paris—" She paused but he seemed not to notice her questioning inflexion. "Paris certainly seems a long way off by way of the Orient," her voice trailed off mournfully.
"Once you begin traveling, you come and go without thought of distances," he told her, struggling with the suitcases.
"That's what Vida said—people come and go and think nothing of it."
"Please remember to tell her for me how sorry I am I never got around to phoning her. The fact is the company cut off the phone too early."
"I'll tell her.
He strapped the bulging suitcases so the locks would not spring open. "Well, that's it," he said, placing the suitcases next to the door, and the basket of apples on top.
They stood facing each other uncertainly and for a moment she thought he was going to put his arms around her, but he turned abruptly and went to close the windows.
He looked around the barren room. "I hate having to give up this place," he said huskily, and put on his coat and hat so that she would not see he wanted her too. He scribbled an address and handed it to her. "If you come to Paris, you must let me know—if I'm still there."
This is the end, Lucy thought hopelessly. If only he had taken her in his arms and held her close for a minute to prove a tree doesn't disappear and leave you with nothing but yourself to hold you up.
"I'll carry the apples," she said.
The taxi stopped at her door and she raised her head and he kissed her softly, without the insistence of men who tried to draw her close to them. Then, as after the walk in the Park, he left, and her life ended without a finish.
