Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/349

Rh taking a new job—as manager of a Georgia mill.… It’s the only thing I know how to do, and I’ve got to do something—” He forced a laugh. “The habit of work is incurable!”

Justine’s face had grown as grave as his. She hesitated a moment, looking down the street toward the angle of Madison Square, which was visible from the corner where they stood.

“Will you walk back to the square with me? Then we can sit down a moment.”

She began to move as she spoke, and he walked beside her in silence till they had gained the seat she pointed out. Her hansom trailed after them, drawing up at the corner.

As Amherst sat down beside her, Justine turned to him with an air of quiet resolution. “Mr. Amherst—will you let me ask you something? Is this a sudden decision?”

“Yes. I decided yesterday.”

“And Bessy?”

His glance dropped for the ﬁrst time, but Justine pressed her point. “Bessy approves?”

“She—she will, I think—when she knows”

“When she knows?” Her emotion sprang into her face. “When she knows? Then she does not—yet?”

“No. The offer came suddenly. I must go at once.” [ 333 ]