"
Nina uttered a tremulous laugh that sounded strangely passionate.
"You're quite right," she said. "Money's not everything. I have weighed
it in the balance and found it wanting."
"Yes," Wingarde said in a peculiar tone. "And so have I."
XII
AFTERWARDS--LOVE
An overwhelming shyness possessed Nina that night. She dined alone with
her husband, and found his silences even more oppressive than usual.
Yet, when she rose from the table, an urgent desire to keep him within
call impelled her to pause.
"Shall you be late to-night?" she asked him, stopping nervously before
him, as he stood by the open door.
"I am not going out to-night," he responded gravely."
"Oh!" Nina hesitated still. She was trembling slightly. "Then--I shall
see you again?" she said.
He bent his head.
"I shall be with you in ten minutes," he replied.
And she passed out quickly.
The night was still and hot. She went into her own little sitting-room
and straight to the open window. Her heart was beating very fast as she
stood and looked across the quiet square. The roar of London hummed
busily from afar. She heard it as one hears the rushing of unseen water
among the hills.
Pages:
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188