Alexander slipped his arm about her. "I didn't know it before, Hilda,
on my honor I didn't, but I believe it was because, deep down in me
somewhere, I was hoping I might drive you to do just this. I've watched
that door all day. I've jumped up if the fire crackled. I think I have
felt that you were coming." He bent his face over her hair.
"And I," she whispered,--"I felt that you were feeling that. But when I
came, I thought I had been mistaken."
Alexander started up and began to walk up and down the room.
"No, you weren't mistaken. I've been up in Canada with my bridge, and
I arranged not to come to New York until after you had gone. Then, when
your manager added two more weeks, I was already committed." He dropped
upon the stool in front of her and sat with his hands hanging between
his knees. "What am I to do, Hilda?"
"That's what I wanted to see you about, Bartley. I'm going to do
what you asked me to do when you were in London. Only I'll do it more
completely. I'm going to marry."
"Who?"
"Oh, it doesn't matter much! One of them. Only not Mac. I'm too fond of
him."
Alexander moved restlessly. "Are you joking, Hilda?"
"Indeed I'm not."
"Then you don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, I know very well. I've thought about it a great deal, and I've
quite decided. I never used to understand how women did things like
that, but I know now. It's because they can't be at the mercy of the man
they love any longer."
Alexander flushed angrily. "So it's better to be at the mercy of a man
you don't love?"
"Under such circumstances, infinitely!"
There was a flash in her eyes that made Alexander's fall. He got up and
went over to the window, threw it open, and leaned out. He heard Hilda
moving about behind him. When he looked over his shoulder she was lacing
her boots. He went back and stood over her.
"Hilda you'd better think a while longer before you do that. I don't
know what I ought to say, but I don't believe you'd be happy; truly I
don't. Aren't you trying to frighten me?"
She tied the knot of the last lacing and put her boot-heel down firmly.
"No; I'm telling you what I've made up my mind to do. I suppose I
would better do it without telling you. But afterward I shan't have an
opportunity to explain, for I shan't be seeing you again."