Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/197

 "At all events, he might learn it."

"And if so, what would be gained? The world would shun them both; and they were made for the world. We are all made for the world."

"True." A shrill whistle aroused them both. "Come on, the train is about to start," said Castleton.

As Jacynth entered her sitting room, Fenella rose and ran toward him.

"At last, at last!" she said. The words came in a sort of gasp. Jacynth, holding her hands, stared at her, shocked at the change in her appearance. Every vestige of color was gone from her face, her eyes looked wild, and her parted lips were very pale. She had pushed back her hair from her forehead with a quick gesture, just as he entered the room. She was at her worst this moment, but the man's love was so strong that he failed to see that. He thought her lovely-lovely always, and what was strange, even younger than she used to be.

"You know, you have heard," she went on, her tone feverish.

"You forget!" said he gently, with a view to calming her agitation. "I know nothing. I have had only your telegram, and that was so vague."

"Ah! You shall see another telegram then. That," thrusting Mme. de Vigny's into his hand, "that is not vague at all events."