Out of the Past — page 105: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

102 Out of the Past. “Because I cannot keep certain things to myself when your eyes are upon me.” “I pray you, monsieur.” “Then I will be silent.” She struggled with his quiet presence, asking nothing, claiming nothing, yet taking all, until the clatter ci Babette’s sabots released her. - “T must go. Perhaps we shall not meet again.” “That could not be.” “At least it will be a long time.” “That must not be.” He acquitted himself well of the task of formally holding her hand and of quietly letting it go. But he fulfilled only the letter of the law. When from his window he had watched her drive away to the station with Babette and Mme. Blanc, he turned about with a remembrance of something left un- done. It was an hour before he could recall what it was. Then he looked for the scented note which had been tossed aside. “Monsieur,” he read, “a cruel fate has overtaken me, and I turn to you for assistance, not because I would trade upon so slight an acquaintance, but because, for some indefinable reason, I trust you. You are M. Vienaud’s friend. You can help me if you will. There is little to call me abroad to-day. I will wait your con- Gomicbooks.Gcom