Women's tears are a
great solvent of man's ill temper.
"As for this being right and best, this parting, you will see it as I do
sooner or later. But you do believe that I love you, dearly, tenderly,
very--well, no matter how--you believe it?"
"I believe it--"
"Then say 'good-bye, Consuelo'--and kiss me once--for what might have
been."
Orsino half rose, bent down and kissed her cheek.
"Good-bye, Consuelo," he said, almost whispering the words into her ear.
In his heart he did not think she meant it. He still expected that she
would call him back.
"It is good-bye, dear--believe it--remember it!" Her voice shook a
little now.
"Good-bye, Consuelo," he repeated.
With a loving look that meant no good-bye he drew back and went to the
door. He laid his hand on the handle and paused. She did not speak. Then
he looked at her again. Her head had fallen back against a cushion and
her eyes were half closed. He waited a second and a keen pain shot
through him. Perhaps she was in earnest after all.
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