Out of what had such a depth of feeling been born? Out of gratitude for a pleasant and kindly word or two—an exaggerated sense of obligation for a few services rendered—services that for sheer and loyal courage could not match what she had done for Halkett?
And she seemed to be so sane, so clear-thinking, so competent in most things! This girlish and passionate attachment to him did not conform to other traits which made up her character and made of her an individual, specific and distinct.
"If you were my daughter, and I were in straitened circumstances and unable to be with you, I should advise you as I have."
"I am too old and you are too young for us to think of each other in that way.... I am not a child.... I am unhappy without you. But I care enough for you to obey you."
"And I care enough for you, Philippa, to remain in Saïs as long as you think you want me," he said.
She turned, her glimmering eyes radiant, stretching out both hands to him.
"You are so good—so good!" she stammered. "The Château will frighten me; I shall be lonely. The world is a very large place to be alone in.... You are so good!—Stay in Saïs a little while yet—just a little while.... I won’t keep you very long from Paris—only let me know you a little longer.... I couldn’t bear it—so soon—the only happiness I have ever known—to end—so soon——"
"You dear child, if I thought you really needed me——"
"No, I won’t let you be more generous than that! Just a few days, please. And a promise to let me see you again—something to remember—to wait for——"
"Surely, surely, little comrade. You don’t suppose I am going to let you slip away out of my life, do you? And I don’t understand why you are in such a sudden panic about my going away——"
"Madame Arlon told me that you had already given congé. I didn’t care; I thought I was to go with you. But now that you wish me to go to the Château—it—it frightens me."
He rose, stood looking at her for a moment, turned and paced the river bank once or twice, then came back to where she was seated.
"Come up to the Château now," he said. "I give you this promise, anyway; as long as you think you want me and need me in the world, you have only to say so, Philippa. And if I cannot come to you, then you shall come to me."