Part 17 (1/2)
”A teacher. But I suppose you'll get another place.”
”No. I've given it up because I couldn't endure it any longer.”
”And how are you going to live?”
”I have no idea.”
”Then you must have been very foolish to give away your money like that to-night.”
”I don't pretend to much wisdom. If I had had another sovereign in my pocket, no doubt I should have given it you before this, and you wouldn't have refused it.”
”How do you know?” she asked sharply. ”Why should you think me selfish?”
”Certainly I have no reason to. And by the by, I already owe you money for the supper. I will send it you to-morrow.”
”Why not bring it?”
”Better not. I have a good deal of an unpleasant quality which people call pride, and I don't care to make myself uncomfortable unnecessarily.”
”You can't have more pride than I have. Look.” She held out her hands.
”Will you be my friend, really my friend? You understand me?”
”I think I understand, but I doubt whether it is possible.”
”Everything is possible. Will you shake hands with me, and, when you come to see me again, let us meet as if I were a modest girl, and you had got to know me in a respectable house, and not in the street at midnight?”
”You really wish it? You are not joking?”
”I am in sober earnest, and I wish it. You won't refuse?”
”If I did I should refuse a great happiness.”
He took her hand and again released it.
”And now look at the time,” said she, pointing to a clock on the mantelpiece. ”Half-past one. How will you get home?”
”Walk. It won't take me more than an hour. May I light my pipe before I start?”
”Of course you may. When shall I see you again?”
”Shall we say this night next week?”
”Very well. Come here any time you like in the evening. I will be at home after six. And then I can give you your book back.”
Waymark lit his pipe, stooped to give Grim a stroke, and b.u.t.toned up his coat. Ida led the way downstairs. They shook hands again, and parted.
CHAPTER XII