Page:Twilight of the Souls (1917).djvu/198

190 "Gerrit, I must speak to you," she implored.

"Yes, but I don't want to speak to you."

"Oh, but I must speak to you, Gerrit!" murmured the languorous, maddening voice. "I must, I must speak to you. Not here, but just . . . just inside the Woods."

"What do you want to speak to me about?"

"Only for a second . . . . I can't tell you here."

"Well, no, d'you see?" said Gerrit, roughly. I don't want to have anything to do with you.

"Yes, yes, Gerrit. . . . Please, Gerrit . . . only for a second. . . ."

And he walked on.

She followed him:

"Gerrit . . ."

"I say, if you don't hurry up and clear out . . . !"

"Gerrit, just let me tell you something . . . let me speak to you for three minutes . . . in the Woods. . . ."

The voice coaxed him and he saw that deep glint of mockery in the laughing eyes.

"Only for three minutes . . . and then I sha'n't worry you any more . . ."

"Well . . . go ahead then!" said Gerrit. "You go on. . . . I'll follow you. . . . But be quick . . . I've no time. . . ."