ore about it.
[_She holds out her hand._]
Good-bye.

DAVID [_Frozen, taking it, holding it_]
Ah, you are offended by my ingratitude--I shall never see you again.

VERA
No, I am not offended. But I have failed to help you. We have nothing
else to meet for.
[_She disengages her hand._]

DAVID
Why will you punish me so? I have only hurt myself.

VERA
It is not a _punishment_.

DAVID
What else? When you are with me, all the air seems to tremble with fairy
music played by some unseen fairy orchestra.

VERA [_Tremulous_]
And yet you wouldn't come in just now when I----

DAVID
I was too frightened of the others....

VERA [_Smiling_]
Frightened indeed!

DAVID
Yes, I know I became overbold--but to take all that magic sweetness out
of my life for ever--you don't call that a punishment?

VERA [_Blushing_]
How could I wish to punish you? I was proud of you!
[_Drops her eyes, murmurs_]
Besides it would be punishing _myself_.

DAVID [_In passionate amaze_]
Miss Revendal!... But no, it cannot be. It is too impossible.

VERA [_Frightened_]
Yes, too impossible. Good-bye.
[_She turns._]

DAVID
But not for always?
[_VERA hangs her head. He comes nearer. Passionately_]
Promise me that you--that I----
[_He takes her hand again._]

VERA [_Melting at his touch, breathes_]
Yes, yes, David.

DAVID
Miss Revendal!
[_She falls into his arms._]

VERA
My dear! my dear!

DAVID
It is a dream. You cannot care for me--you so far above me.

VERA
Above you, you simple boy? Your genius lifts you to the stars.

DAVID
No, no; it is you who lift me there----

VERA [_Smoothing his hair_]
Oh, David. And to think that I was brought up to despise your race.

DAVID [_Sadly_]
Yes, all Russians are.

VERA
But we of the nobility in particular.

DAVID [_Amazed, half-releasing her_]
You are noble?

VERA
My father is Baron Revendal, but I have long since carved out a life of
my own.

DAVID
Then he will not separate us?

VERA
No.
[_Re-embracing him._]
Nothing can separate us.
[_A knock at the street-door. They separate. The automobile is
heard clattering off._]

DAVID
It is my uncle coming back.

VERA [_In low, tense tones_]
Then I shall slip out. I could not bear a third. I will write.
[_She goes to the door._]

DAVID
Yes, yes ... Vera.
[_He follows her to the door. He opens it and she slips out._]

MENDEL [_Half-seen at the door, expostula