"I will tell you frankly," she said at last, "that I know my
knowledge of the East and kinship with it goes far beyond mere
words. In my case the doors were not shut. I believe - I know
that long ago this was my life. If I spoke for ever I could not
make you understand how much I know and why. So I shall quite
certainly go back to it. Nothing - you least of all, can hold me.
But you are my friend - that is a true bond. And if you would
wish me to give you two months before I go, I might do that if it
would in any way help you. As your friend only - you clearly
understand. You would not reproach me afterwards when I left you,
as I should most certainly do?"

"I swear I would not. I swear I would protect you even from
myself. I want you for ever, but if you will only give me two
months - come! But have you thought that people will talk. It may
injure you.

I'm not worth that, God knows. And you will take nothing I could
give you in return."

She spoke very quietly.

"That does not trouble me. - It would only trouble me if you
asked what I have not to give. For two months I would travel with
you as a friend, if, like a friend, I paid my own expenses-"

I would have interrupted, but she brushed that firmly aside. "No,
I must do as I say, and I am quite able to or I should not
suggest it. I would go on no other terms. It would be hard if
because we are man and woman I might not do one act of friendship