Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/475

Rh In explaining the mill work he forgot his constraint and returned to the free comradery of mind that had always marked their relation. He turned the key reluctantly in the last door, and paused a moment on the threshold.

“Anything more?” he said, with a laugh meant to hide his desire to prolong their tour.

She glanced up at the sun, which still swung free of the tall factory roofs.

“As much as you’ve time for. Cicely doesn’t need me this afternoon, and I can’t tell when I shall see Westmore again.”

Her words fell on him with a chill. His smile faded, and he looked away for a moment.

“But I hope Cicely will be here often,” he said.

“Oh, I hope so too,” she rejoined, with seeming unconsciousness of any connection between the wish and her previous words.

Amherst hesitated. He had meant to propose a visit to the old Eldorado building, which now at last housed the long-desired night—schools and nursery; but since she had spoken he felt a sudden indifference to showing her anything more. What was the use, if she meant to leave Cicely, and drift out of his reach? He could get on well enough without sympathy and comprehension, but his momentary indulgence in them made the ordinary taste of life a little ﬂat. [ 459 ]