Why did he not turn to
see her waiting there--stricken motionless and voiceless, wild to
give the lie to those cold, strange words?
"Then, Neale--if you will not accept anything from me, let us
terminate this painful interview," said Allison Lee.
"I'm sorry. I only wanted to tell you--and ask to see--Allie--a
moment," replied Neale.
"No. It might cause a breakdown. I don't want to risk anything that
might prevent my taking the next train with her."
"Going to take her--back East?" asked Neale, as if talking to
himself.
"Certainly."
"Then--I--won't see her!" Neale murmured, dazedly.
At this juncture General Lodge stepped out. His face was dark, his
mouth stern.
His action caused a breaking of the strange, vise-like clutch--the
mute and motionless spell--that had fallen upon Allie. She felt the
gathering of tremendous forces in her; in an instant she would show
these stupid men the tumult of a woman's heart.
"Lee, be generous," spoke up General Lodge, feelingly. "Let Neale
see the girl."
"I said no!" snapped Lee.
"But why not, in Heaven's name?"
"Why? I told you why," declared Lee, passionately.
"But, Lee--that implication may not be true. We didn't read all that
letter," protested General Lodge.
"Ask him."
Then the general turned to Neale.
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