Like a swimmerstanding on the bank gathering courage for the plunge, Miss Forbes gavea trembling, shivering sigh.
"You're cold," said Winthrop, gently. "You must go in. Good-by."
"It isn't that," said the girl. "Have you an extra coat?"
"It isn't cold enough for----"
"I meant for me," stammered the girl in a frightened voice. "I thoughtperhaps you would take me a little way, and bring me back."
At first the young man did not answer, but sat staring in front of him,then, he said simply:
"It's awfully good of you, Beatrice. I won't forget it."
It was a wonderful autumn night, moonlight, cold, clear and brilliant.She stepped in beside him and wrapped herself in one of hisgreat-coats. They started swiftly down the avenue of trees.
"No, not fast," begged the girl, "I want to talk to you."
The car checked and rolled forward smoothly, sometimes in deep shadow,sometimes in the soft silver glamour of the moon; beneath them thefallen leaves crackled and rustled under the slow moving wheels. Atthe highway Winthrop hesitated. It lay before them arched with greatand ancient elms; below, the Hudson glittered and rippled in themoonlight.
"Which way do you want to go?" said Winthrop. His voice was verygrateful, very humble.
The girl did not answer.
There was a long, long pause.
Then he turned and looked at her and saw her smiling at him with thatlight in her eyes that never was on land or sea.
"To Uganda," said the girl.
The Scarlet Car Page 15
