He stood awhile in silence with his back to her, as if within him some violence were struggling up; then with an effort, almost with a gasp, he turned round, his open watch in his hand. "I saw Mr. Vidal," was all he produced.
"And he told you too he would come back for me?"
"He said there was something he had to do, but that he would meanwhile get ready. He would return immediately with a carriage."
"That's why I've waited," Rose replied. "I'm ready enough. But he won't come."
"He'll come," said Paul. "But it's more than time."
She drearily shook her head. "Not after getting off—not back to the horror and the shame. He thought so; no doubt he has tried. But it's beyond him."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
She hesitated. "Nothing—now. Thank you." She looked about her. "How shall I go?"
Paul went to the window; for a moment he listened. "I thought I heard wheels."
She gave ear; but once more she shook her
