Part 33

"Well-named!--dirty, smeary, contaminating business," said Croyden. "And the best 'greasers' have the best places, I reckon. I prefer the unadorned garb of the civilian--and independence. I'll permit those fellows to fight the battles and draw the rewards--they can do both very well."

He did not get another dance with her until well toward the end--and would not then, if the lieutenant to whom it belonged had not been a second late--late enough to lose her.

"We are going back to Washington, in the morning," she said. "Can't you come along?"

"Impossible!" he answered. "Much as I'd like to do it."

She looked up at him, quickly.

"Are you sure you would like to do it?" she asked.

"What a question!" he exclaimed.

"Geoffrey!--what is this business which keeps you here--in the East?"

"Business!" he replied, smiling.

"Which means, I must not ask, I suppose."

He did not answer.

"Will you tell me one thing--just one?" she persisted. "Has Royster & Axtell's failure anything to do with it?"

"Yes--it has!" he said, after a moment's hesitation.

"And is it true that you are seriously embarrassed--have lost most of your fortune?"

"It was to be just one question!" he smiled.

"I'm a woman," she explained.

They danced half the length of the room before he replied. He would tell her. She, alone, deserved to know--and, if she cared, would understand.

"I have lost most of my fortune!" he admitted. "I am not, however, in the least embarrassed--I have no debts."

"And is it 'business,' which keeps you?--will you ever come back to Northumberland?"

"Yes, it is business that keeps me--important business. Whether or not I shall return to Northumberland, depends on the outcome of that business."

"Why did you leave without a word of farewell to your friends?" she persisted.

"Was that unusual?" said Croyden. "Has any of my friends cared--sincerely cared? Has any one so much as inquired for me?"

She looked away.

"They thought you were called to Europe, suddenly," she replied.

"For which thinking you were responsible, Elaine."

"Why I?" she demanded.

"You were the only one I told."

Her eyes sought his, then fell.