the room.

Slotman could not see this door, but he heard it open, and he knew by
the look on the man's face that Joan had come in.

"Why are you here? How dare you follow me here?"

"I have dared to follow you here, to express my deep regret for what is
past," Hugh said. He looked at the girl, her white face, the hard line
made by a mouth that should be sweet and gentle.

It seemed, he thought, that the very sight of him roused all that was
cold and bitter in her nature.

"Am I to be tormented and insulted by you all my life?" she asked.

"You are unreasonable! You cannot think that this visit is one that
gives me any pleasure," Hugh said.

"Then why do you come?"

"I asked permission of your employer to see you, and he kindly placed
his office at our disposal. I shall not keep you long."

"I do not intend that you shall, and in future--"

"Will you hear what I have to say? Surely I am not asking too much?"

"Is it necessary?"