Part 86 (2/2)
”Really?”
”It was raining. I was horribly depressed. I couldn't endure the strain. I meant to surrender utterly and trust you--”
”I didn't get your message--”
”I know that you didn't--where were you?”
”Engaged on important business for the Government--”
”What Government?”
”How can you ask such a question?”
”I do ask it. I sent for you three times--the third time after midnight.
It wasn't very modest, perhaps, I was so miserable I didn't care. I just wanted to put my arms around your neck and tell you to love me always--that nothing else mattered--”
”Nothing else does matter, dearest--”
”Yes--it does. It matters whether you have used me to betray my people.
Where were you at twelve o'clock night before last?”
”I'd rather not tell you--”
”I demand it--”
A quizzical smile played about Socola's handsome mouth as he faced her frankly.
”I was in a gambling establishment--”
”Whose?”
”Johnnie Worsham's--”
”What were you doing there? You neither drink nor gamble.”
Again the dark face smiled.
”I was asked by my Chief to report on the habits of every man in my Department--particularly to report every man who frequents the gambling h.e.l.ls of Richmond--”
Jennie watched him nervously, her hands trembling.
”It's possible of course--”
Her eyes suddenly filled with tears and she threw herself into his arms.
And then it happened--the little thing, trivial and insignificant, that makes and unmakes life.
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