She stood still as it were. She only looked up at him. A sense of his utter helplessness came to her in a hurricane-rush of consciousness. All the bitter tragedy of youth was in her eyes as she flung up her head bravely.
"You should know that without you, my life will be incomplete. What will be my fate? Your love with me is a household word." Mila now knew that she was only crying in the wilderness.
"You know," he strove to speak casually twisting his hands in her hair. "It is impossible after all. Nobody can do anything for my recovery. Can they ? Above all, you're not a child and it won't be proper to explain more, and.."
Her smile died and he could not continue.
Words came tumultously to his lips but he fought them back.
“Will you not eat something," she said, getting up quickly, arranging herself. "Aren't you hungry?"
He knew then it was too late for asking. She would go, he knew and he wouldn't stop her.
There was no bitterness in him at the thought, no accusation nothing else. She would remain in the memory of him.
He lay back looking out of the window. It all seemed unreal to him. He could not bring himself to believe he wouldn't see her again.
He looked at his watch though it was a hazardous problem, never- theless at best and at most he had to solve it by any means.
"You must go now. It is high time."
She did not say anything.
"Life is a mere illusion. The realities of this humdrum world are rather too abnoxious and meddlesome. In no time, you will find yourself alone in this vast world. On the contrary, you may have to lead a clandes- tine life. For heaven's and my sake, you should marry."
She was still standing.
"There's nothing to think," he continued. "I presume my palmy days are gone. My lofty ideals and plans are no longer but mere tall talks. I feel it. Oh ! Mila, I am extremely unfortunate. I am burning my candle at both ends."
Her eyes clouded over.
"Aside from that," he said quickly "Let bygones be bygones. It is so peaceful here. Now .... now that you are going away, I think I...."
