I saw him go up and examine the portrait, and then turn away. I looked
at him piteously. In spite of old Bridget's presence I had almost
courage to put my hand in his and say to him that he was the only man on
earth for me.
But he was holding the door open now for Bridget and me to pass through
and he would not meet my eyes. And the old woman was begging me to be
seated awhile till she made me a cup of tea and was inviting him
similarly. He refused, saying he had business elsewhere. And then he
took my hand and lifted it coldly to his lips; and shaking old Bridget
by the hand he was gone.
As the door slammed behind him, again the cold chill of the house struck
me for the sunshine had gone with him. I realized my own unreadiness too
late, and I could have followed him, calling out to him till he should
turn round and come back and hear me tell him that it was all
foolishness about Theobald and I loved only him. Indeed, I got so far as
to run out to the postern gate and look down the street.
But it was as lifeless as when I had come in. There was only my cab, and
the driver dozing on the box and the patient horse standing quietly
between the shafts to break the dead monotony of the lines of black
houses.
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