He only knows that our engagement was abruptly broken off; he
believes that I have no longer any thought of you at all. But if you
come back, if you and I saw anything of each other, however calmly we
met, however indifferently we spoke, he would guess. He is so quick he
would be sure to guess." She paused for a moment, and added in a
whisper, "And he would guess right."
Feversham saw the blood flush her forehead and deepen the colour of her
cheeks. He did not move from his position, he did not bend towards her,
or even in voice give any sign which would make this leave-taking yet
more difficult to carry through.
"Yes, I see," he said. "And he must not guess."
"No, he must not," returned Ethne. "I am so glad you see that too,
Harry. The straight and simple thing is the only thing for us to do. He
must never guess, for, as you said, he has nothing left but me."
"Is Durrance here?" asked Feversham.
"He is staying at the vicarage."
"Very well," he said. "It is only fair that I should tell you I had no
thought that you would wait. I had no wish that you should; I had no
right to such a wish. When you gave me that fourth feather in the little
room at Ramelton, with the music coming faintly through the door, I
understood your meaning.
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