"To love twice," said Desire, looking out over the sea. "Yes I can
understand that--what did you say?"
"I think I may be able to walk now," said the professor.
CHAPTER IX
With the recovery of a leg sufficiently workable in the matter of
climbing stairs, Dr. Farr's boarder had resigned the family couch in
the sitting-room and had retired to his spartan chamber under the
eaves. From its open window that night he watched the moon. Let
nothing happen to the universe in the meantime, and there would be a
full moon on Friday night. The professor hoped that nothing would
happen.
She had not exactly said "Yes" yet. He must not forget that. But it
could do no harm to feel reasonably sure that she was going to. He
did not conceal from himself that he had brought things off
remarkably well. That last argument of his had been a masterpiece of
strategy. There were other, shorter, words which might have
described it. But they were not such pleasant words. And when a
thing is necessary it is just as well to be pleasant about it. No
harm had been done. Quite the opposite. Desire's one valid objection
had been neatly and effectually disposed of. And now the matter
could be dropped. It would be forgotten. . . . What did it amount to
in any case? Other men lied every day saying they had never loved.
He had lied only once in saying that he had.... At the same time it
might be very embarrassing to.... yes, certainly, the matter must be
dropped!
They would, he supposed, find it necessary to elope.
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