Then the old fascination fastened its hold on him again.

Once more he looked at the graceful turn of her head, at the rich masses of her hair.

The courage to put the critical question to him, now that she had lured him into remaining in the room, was still a courage that failed her.

She remained as busy as ever with her work--too busy to look at him; too busy to speak to him.

The silence became unendurable.