That will close the whole affair.'
"'Close the whole affair,' she repeated after me, mechanically,--'close
the whole affair.'
"I was getting heartily tired of this, and had no desire to listen to an
echo conversation; so, without answering, I stretched out my hand for
it. She held it towards me, then drew it back and raised it to her heart
with the same gesture I had marked when she first opened it,--a gesture
as I said, of that, which was less of a caress than a spasm. Indeed, I
think now that it was wholly physical and involuntary. Then she handed
it to me, and, motioning towards the door, said, 'Go!'
"I rose, and, infamous as I thought her past deceit, wearied as I was
with the interview, small claim as she had upon me for the slightest
consideration, I said 'You have done well, Miss Ercildoune! I commend
you for your sensible decision, and for your ability, if late, to
appreciate the situation. I wish you all success in life, I am sure;
and, permit me to add, a future union with one of your own race, if that
will bring you happiness.'
"Heavens! what a face and what eyes she turned upon me as, rising, she
once more pointed to the door, and cried, 'Go!' And indeed I went,--the
girl actually frightened me.
"When I got on to the lawn, I missed my bag and parasol, and had to
return for them. I opened the door with some slight trepidation, but had
no need for fear.
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