Gone Away Read Online Free

yet put into words, was puzzling him. Then, suddenly, his mind became clear, and its p iercing clarity was like a knife drawn slowly through his heart. He h ad spoken of Maimie as his fiancée untruthfully, deliberately, with every intention of testing his companion’s reactions, wondering if his engagement could be discussed between them coolly, dispassionately, hurting neither of them, but now he knew it couldn’t be; no tie could exist for him other than that inexplicable bond which had sprung up, unasked, between himself and this girl seated before him.
    “I didn’t realize you were engaged. I ... I hope your fiancée won’t mind you taking me out. You ... you’ve been very kind.” Patricia tried to make her words sound conventional, but was miserably aware of her halting phrases.
    “Of course she wouldn’t! Please don’t concern yourself about that.” Kay was glad of the natural turn the conversation had taken, but only for a moment . Patricia’s next question startled him afresh. “Are you marrying soon?”
    “Nothing is decided.”
    Kay’s answer was certainly truthful, but it was strange how remote Maimie had become, and even as he tried to visualize her features, they became blurred and unreal. In their place Patricia’s face, pale an d appealing, rose before him.
    “I think I ought to be going home now.” Patricia broke the silence between them. It was extraordinary, she mused, how swiftly everything had changed. The restaurant seemed no longer light an d amusing; its glamor had gone, the crowds of merry people irritated her, she felt tired and dispirited and longed for the cold air of the night blowing against her cheeks.
    “I’ll get the bill.” Kay also felt that the gaiety of the night had died. But for him it was different; in its place was a feeling of peace, as if some purpose had b een accomplished, a decision made.
    Outside, although a fine night, the air was cold and biting. Patricia drew her coat collar more closely around her face, but the movement was mechanical; she was scarcely aware of the wind cutting through her. She still felt dazed and unhappy, like a child from whom someone has cruelly snatched a toy.
    Slipping his arm beneath her elbow, Kay led her along a narrow street, dark after the well-lighted main thorough-fares, toward her hotel. “You seem very quiet. Tired?” he queried, searching his companion’s face anxiously.
    “A little ... but it’s been a lovely evening. Thanks, awfully.” Although Patricia tried to make her words sound enthusiastic, she was uncomfortably aware of their inadequacy.
    She would have been amazed had she realized the joy her very diffidence had given her companion. He had not been slow to notice her sudden change of attitude, the hurt look in her eyes, the almost pathetic droop to her lips. His mention of Maimie had done that, and his heart beat faster at the thought, while his pulses throbbed to the rhythm of the words, “She cares ... she cares!” He resisted the urge to take her in his arms. It wouldn’t do to rush her, his common sense advised. To declare his love now would be ridiculous; she would never believe him, and perhaps he would lose her forever. Maimie must be explained away first, as well as the fact that she was not actually his fiancée .
    “Please don’t bother to come in. I’ll be quite all right now,” Patricia announced as Kay made to follow her up the steps leading to the hotel entrance.
    “Just as far as the hall. We haven’t made any arrangements for tomorrow yet.”
    Patricia made no further demur, and it was not until they were standing side by side in the empty lounge that she held out her hand.
    “Good night ... and thanks again.”
    Kay took her hand and looked down into the face lifted to his. The wind had whipped a soft pink color into her cheeks and her eyes were suspiciously bright. His heart contracted with pity. Had he really hurt her? Wouldn’t it be better to explain now, to tell her of his