Page:Glimpses of the Moon (Wharton 1922).djvu/122

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
112
THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON

She reached out a timid hand. "But you needn't ever, dear . . . if you'd only leave it to me. . . ."

He drew back sharply. "That seems simple to you, I suppose? Well, men are different." He walked toward the dressing-table and glanced at the little enamelled clock which had been one of her wedding-presents.

"Time to dress, isn't it? Shall you mind if I leave you to dine with Streffy, and whoever else is coming? I'd rather like a long tramp, and no more talking just at present—except with myself."

He passed her by and walked rapidly out of the room. Susy stood motionless, unable to lift a detaining hand or to find a final word of appeal. On her disordered dressing-table Mrs. Vanderlyn's gifts glittered in the rosy lamp-light.

Yes: men were different, ashe said.