"We mustn't base any hopes on that." He rose; the need of changing his attitude seemed imperative.
"Must you go ?" Maud asked, looking up at him with eyes which spoke all that her voice failed to utter.
He moved his head affirmatively, and held out his hand to raise her.
She obeyed his summons, and stood up before him; her eyes had fixed themselves upon his; he could not avoid their strange gaze.
"Good-bye," he said.
Her free hand rose to his shoulder, upon which it scarcely rested.

He could not escape her eyes, though to meet them tortured him.

Her lips were moving, but he could distinguish no syllable; they moved again, and he could just gather the sense of her whisper.
"Do you love me ?" An immense pity thrilled through him.

He put his arm about her, held her closely, and pressed his lips against her cheek.

She reddened, and hid her face against him.