By a great effort
she forced herself to speak of casual things with the garrulous old lady
long enough to make her visit seem natural. On leaving her, she went to
the Consulate, and her last doubt was dissipated. Then nothing remained
but to go home and wait for Arthur. Her first impulse had been to see Dr
Porhoet and ask for his advice; but, even if he offered to come back with
her to the studio, his presence would be useless. She must see Arthur by
himself. Her heart was wrung as she thought of the man's agony when he
knew the truth. She had confessed to herself long before that she loved
him passionately, and it seemed intolerable that she of all persons must
bear him this great blow.
She sat in the studio, counting the minutes, and thought with a bitter
smile that his eagerness to see Margaret would make him punctual. She had
eaten nothing since the _petit dejeuner_ of the morning, and she was
faint with hunger. But she had not the heart to make herself tea. At last
he came. He entered joyfully and looked around.
'Is Margaret not here yet?' he asked, with surprise.
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