“It was not your fault; and it is very good of you to offer to take me back, I know.  Will my refusing disappoint you at all, Ned?”

“I am prepared for it.  You may refuse or accept:  I foresee how I shall adapt myself to either set of circumstances.”

“Yes, I forgot.  You foresee everything,” said Marian, with some bitterness.

“No:  I only face what I see.  That is why you do not like living with me.  Good-bye.  Do not look troubled:  we shall meet again to-morrow and often afterward, I hope; but to-night makes an end of the irrational knot.”

“Good-night,” said Marian rather forlornly, after a pause, proffering her hand.

“One folly more,” he said, taking her in his arms and kissing her.  She made no resistance.  “If such a moment could be eternal, we should never say good-bye,” he added.  “As it is, we are wise not to tempt Fortune by asking her for such another.”

“You are too wise, Ned,” she said, suffering him to replace her gently in the chair.

“It is impossible to be too wise, dearest,” he said, and unhesitatingly turned and left her.