Claire laughed. "You forget I'm not a society girl. I'm a girl who works
for her living. I can't carry a chaperon about with me wherever I go. I
must take care of myself, and--I know how to do it. I'm not afraid."
"I believe you."
"Then--good-night!"
"I intend to see you home."
"I don't need you."
"Nevertheless, I intend to see you home."
"I don't--_want_ you."
"Notwithstanding which--"
He hailed a passing motor-taxi, gave the chauffeur Martha's street and
number, after he had succeeded in extracting them from Claire, and then,
in spite of protests, helped her in.
For a long time she sat beside him in silence, trying to quell in
herself a weak inclination to shed tears, because--because he had
compelled her to do something against her will.
He did not attempt any conversation, and when, at last, she spoke, it
was of her own accord.
"I've decided to resign my position."
"Is it permitted me to know why?"
"I can't stay."
"That is no explanation."
"I don't feel I can manage Radcliffe.
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