"
Something in the girl's heart seemed suddenly to snap.
"It's because I care more about your work, and - and you. You are so
wonderful!" she broke forth impulsively, and stood before him crimson
with confusion. For a second, which seemed to her an age, there was
silence. Then he spoke and, in her bitter humiliation, his voice sounded
strained and cold.
"Shall we go in?" he asked.
Silently he parted the tangle of manzanita that for centuries had veiled
the secrets of the princess, and stood aside for her to enter. Wildly
the little art teacher glanced about her. This moment to which she had
so looked forward, and yet had dreaded as much because it meant the end,
- this moment which might, nevertheless, have meant much to them both
even though it were the end, she herself had spoiled! All its delicate
beauty changed to a sordid suspicion, it lay in ruins now because of her
thoughtless words. She dared not guess at what he must be thinking! For
a desperate second she considered flight. Then proudly she raised her
head. One more thing, at least, about her now he should learn!
"Did you know - ?" she began, then broke off irresolute.
Blair glanced at her and again their eyes met. This time he did not
smile.
"Know what?" he asked.
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