But even now, while her answer pended, he would not take her hand in friendship.

Jane closed her door and locked it.

She must face this problem of the future, with all else locked out excepting herself and him.

Ah! if she could but lock herself out and think only of him and of his love, as beautiful, perfect gifts laid at her feet, that she might draw them up into her empty arms and clasp them there for evermore.

Just for a little while she would do this.