This method, indeed, would be a very certain one, leaving no doubt whatever, but at the present moment it would be foolish to resort to it, and, perhaps, it would be dangerous, too.

The past was so beautiful and peaceful; she could think its history through many times up to that point, where thinking was sure to end suddenly in something which was too present for memory and too well remembered not to be present.
It came back to her so vividly that she left her seat again and went to the curtained window, as if to get as far as possible from the irresistible attraction.

Standing there she looked back and saw the key in the lock.

It was foolish, girlish, childish, at such a time, but she felt that as long as it was there she should want to turn it.

With a sudden resolution and a smile that was for her own weakness, she went to the door again, listened for footsteps, and then quietly took the key from the lock.