“You are really leaving us today, Mr. Carr?”

“I am afraid I must, Mistress Di.”

“So suddenly? Then you were not teasing yesterday?”

“No, mademoiselle⁠—I was not. I fear I have tarried too long, taking advantage of your kindness.”

“Oh, no, no!” she assured him. “Indeed, you have not! Must you really go?”

Looking down into her big eyes, John read the answering love in them, and grew pale. It was worse to think that she cared, too. If only he thought she was indifferent, parting would not seem so unbearable.

“Mademoiselle⁠—you overwhelm me⁠—I must go.”