Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool looked out upon the beautiful city. She was a little surprised at herself. She had found herself willing to sacrifice almost anything for Zora. No living soul had ever raised in her so deep an affection, and yet she knew now that, although the cost was great, she was willing to sacrifice Zora for Paris. After all, it was not too late; a rapid ride even now might secure high office for Alwyn and make Cresswell ambassador. It would be difficult but possible. But she had not the slightest inclination to attempt it, and she said aloud, half mockingly:
‚ÄúYou are right, Zora. I promised‚ÅÝ‚Äîand‚ÅÝ‚ÄîI lied. Liars have no place in heaven and heaven is doubtless a beautiful place‚ÅÝ‚Äîbut oh, Zora! you haven‚Äôt seen Paris!‚Äù
Two months later they parted simply, knowing well it was forever. Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool wrote a check.
‚ÄúUse this in your work,‚Äù she said. ‚ÄúMiss Smith asked for it long ago. It is‚ÅÝ‚Äîmy campaign contribution.‚Äù
Zora smiled and thanked her. As she put the sealed envelope in her trunk her hand came in contact with a long untouched package. Zora took it out silently and opened it and the beauty of it lightened the room.
‚ÄúIt is the Silver Fleece,‚Äù said Zora, and Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool kissed her and went.
Zora walked alone to the vaulted station. She did not try to buy a Pullman ticket, although the journey was thirty-six hours. She knew it would be difficult if not impossible and she preferred to share the lot of her people. Once on the foremost car, she leaned back and looked. The car seemed clean and comfortable but strangely short. Then she realized that half of it was cut off for the white smokers and as the door swung whiffs of the smoke came in. But she was content for she was almost alone.