There was a little pause, and then I stood up. We stood up, all three.
We parted almost sullenly, with no more memorable words, and I was left
presently in the arbor alone.
I do not think I watched them go. I only remember myself left there
somehow—horribly empty and alone. I sat down again and fell into a deep
shapeless musing.
§ 5
Suddenly I looked up. Nettie had come back and stood looking down at
me.
“Since we talked I have been thinking,” she said. “Edward has let me
come to you alone. And I feel perhaps I can talk better to you alone.”