Part 37 (1/2)
”It's impossible. The thing could not be worked. The Squire would ask me here. I could not always refuse. I couldn't stand it, Ca.s.sandra; it would be too much for flesh and blood. It must be all or nothing.”
”You won't go at once? I must see you again; I must! I must! There is so much to say. I'm going to do what is right, Dane. I'm strong enough for that, but I must have _something_ for myself! You will meet me again, just once, to--to say good-bye--”
Her voice broke, and the tears poured down her cheeks. Dane kissed them away, murmuring pa.s.sionate words, promising everything she asked. If they were to part for a lifetime, fate need not grudge them a short hour. He promised, and Ca.s.sandra lay silent with closed eyes, her hands clinging to his, her cheek touching his own. In both minds was the thought of the barren years to come when they would remember this hour as a treasure s.n.a.t.c.hed from fate. This was the golden time, the fleeting glory,--let them realise, let them make the most!
Neither spoke; it seemed a waste of time to speak. Dane lifted the beautiful hands and gazed at them with adoring eyes; Ca.s.sandra lifted his in her turn, and found their sun-baked strength every whit as beautiful. They looked into each other's eyes, deeply, endlessly, as lovers look who are about to part, and the world and all that is in it has ceased to exist.
Footsteps came along the winding path but they did not hear; light, tripping footsteps drawing nearer and nearer. They reached the summer-house, and halted before the opened door.
”Ca.s.sandra!” said a quiet voice. ”It's me. It's Grizel!”
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.
ENTER GRIZEL.
Ca.s.sandra lifted her head and stared blankly, then with cold displeasure, into the intruder's face. There was not the faintest tinge of embarra.s.sment in her mien, nothing but surprise, and anger, and an intolerable impatience. She sat in silence, struggling to collect her thoughts, and the while she stared, Grizel stepped lightly over the threshold, and seated herself on one of the scattered chairs. It was done so quickly that there was no time for protest, if protest had been possible, and Ca.s.sandra, biting her lip, turned towards Dane for support. He had risen to his feet, and looked miserable and embarra.s.sed as a man is bound to do when placed in an awkward situation. Ca.s.sandra looked for signs of an anger corresponding to her own, failed to find it, and in consequence felt angrier than before. Her voice was steely in its hauteur.
”Did you wish to see me?”
”Please!” said Grizel softly. Her hazel eyes met Peignton's with a long, straight glance, whose message he could not misunderstand. He flushed, and held out his hand.
”I'll go... Good-bye--”
”I shall see you again. I am free on Wednesday and on Friday.”
Ca.s.sandra spoke in a heightened voice, as though scorning an attempt at deceit. ”You will meet me here?”
”Yes. Yes. I'll let you know--”
He dropped her hand, bowed slightly to Grizel, and swung rapidly away, leaving the two women alone.
”Grizel Beverley,” said Ca.s.sandra deliberately, ”I hate you!”
”Poor darling!” said Grizel, trembling. ”Of course you do!” She shook out a minute handkerchief, and wiped the moisture from her face. It dawned on Ca.s.sandra's perceptions that she was deathly pale.
”Why did you come?”
”I don't know.”
”Was it just chance?”
Grizel's lip trembled.
”Ca.s.sandra, I loathe to preach; but I don't believe it _was_!”
”How did you get here?”
”I walked. It's the longest walk I've ever taken. I never came in by the north gate before. I've never turned up this path. I just--came!”
”I see. It was a coincidence, which you are trying to turn into a special guidance of Providence on my behalf. I'm sorry that I cannot recognise it in that light. I wish with all my heart that you had stayed away... What good do you suppose you are going to do?”