She said nothing, for in such a moment words do not come
easily, but with the simplest, most submissive, most eloquent
gesture in the world she set his perplexity to rest.
Taking his hand between hers, she lifted it and for a long,
silent space held it against her lips.
XXXIII
For a while there was silence; then Loder, bitterly aware that
he had conquered, poignantly conscious of the appeal that Eve's
attitude made, found further endurance impossible. Gently
freeing his hand, he moved away from her to the fireplace,
taking up the position that she had first occupied.
"Eve," he said, slowly, "I haven't finished yet. I haven't
said everything. I'm going to tax your courage further."
With a touch of pained alarm, Eve lifted her head. "Further?"
she said.
Loder shrank from the expression on her face. "Yes," he said,
with difficulty. "There's still another point to be faced.
The matter doesn't end with my going back. To have the
situation fully saved, Chilcote must return--Chilcote must be
brought to realize his responsibilities.
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