XXXV

With his last words Colonel Race had swung away and left us. I stood staring after him. Harry’s voice recalled me to myself.

“Anne, forgive me, say you forgive me.”

He took my hand in his and almost mechanically I drew it away.

“Why did you deceive me?”

“I don’t know that I can make you understand. I was afraid of all that sort of thing⁠—the power and fascination of wealth. I wanted you to care for me just for myself⁠—for the man I was⁠—without ornaments and trappings.”

“You mean you didn’t trust me?”

“You can put it that way if you like, but it isn’t quite true. I’d become embittered, suspicious⁠—always prone to look for ulterior motives⁠—and it was so wonderful to be cared for in the way you cared for me.”