Then at length very slowly he put her down into the chair from which she had risen at his entrance, and released her.  She leaned upon the table, trembling, her hands covering her face.  And he stood behind her, breathing heavily, saying no word.

So for a space they remained in darkness and silence, till the brisk opening of the kitchen-door brought them back to the small things of life.

Dick moved.  “Go upstairs!” he said, under his breath.

She stirred and rose unsteadily.  He put out a hand to help her.  She did not take it, did not seem even to see it.

Gropingly, she turned to the door, went out slowly, still as if feeling her way, reached the narrow stairs and went up them, clutching at the rail.

He followed her to the foot and stood there watching her.  As she reached the top he heard her sob.

An impulse caught him to follow her, to take her again—­but how differently!—­into his arms,—­to soothe her, to comfort her, to win her back to him.  But sternly he put it from him.  She had got to learn her lesson, to realize her obligations,—­she who talked so readily of leaving him!  And for what?

A wave of hot blood rose to his forehead, and he clenched his hands.  He went back into the room, knowing that he could not trust himself.

When Mrs. Rickett entered with a lamp a few moments later, he was gathering up the litter of books and paper from the table, his face white and sternly set.  He gave her a brief word of greeting, and went across to the school with his burden.

CHAPTER VI

COALS OF FIRE

It was nearly half-an-hour later that Mrs. Rickett ascended the stairs and knocked at Juliet’s door.

“Supper’s been in this long time,” she called.  “And Mr. Green’s still over at the school.”

There was a brief pause, then Juliet’s quiet movement in the room.  She opened the door and met her on the threshold.

“Why, you haven’t got a light!” said Mrs. Rickett.  “Is there anything the matter, ma’am?  Aren’t you well?”

“Yes, quite, thank you,” Juliet said in her slow gentle voice.  “I am afraid I forgot the time.  I will put on my hat before I come down.”

Mrs. Rickett’s eyes regarded her shrewdly for a moment or two, then looked away.  “Shall I fetch you a candle?” she said.

Juliet turned back into the room.  “I have one, thank you.  Perhaps you wouldn’t mind going to find Mr. Green while I dress.”

Mrs. Rickett hastened away, and Juliet lighted her candle and surveyed herself for a second, standing motionless before the glass.

Several minutes later she descended the stairs and went quietly into the dining-room.  She was wearing a large-brimmed hat that shadowed her face.

Dick, standing by the mantelpiece, waiting for her, gave her a hard and piercing look as she entered.