Isabella, judging Phillippa by herself, gave a little moan of despair, and Owen, blinded by love and hope, thought his cause was won. But I knew my dearie too well to be glad, and Mark Foster did, too, and I hated him for it.
I went up to my dearie’s room, all pale and shaking. When I went in she came to meet me, like a girl going to meet death.
“Is — it — time?” she said, with her hands locked tight together.
I said not a word, hoping that the unlooked-for sight of Owen would break down her resolution. I just held out my hand to her, and led her downstairs. She clung to me and her hands were as cold as snow. When I opened the parlor door I stood back, and pushed her in before me.
She just cried, “Owen!” and shook so that I put my arms about her to steady her.
Owen made a step towards her, his face and eyes all aflame with his love and longing, but Mark barred his way.
“Wait till she has made her choice,” he said, and then he turned to Phillippa. I couldn’t see my dearie’s face, but I could see Mark's, and there wasn’t a spark of feeling in it. Behind it was Isabella’s, all pinched and gray.
“Phillippa,” said Mark, “Owen Blair has come back. He says he has never forgotten you, and that
