Do you remember that as we
sat there, Toby, the waiter, brought Flossie in, and she sat there with
us a while?"
He paused, choosing his words. Vandover listened closely, trying to
recall the incident.
"She kissed me," said young Haight slowly, "and the court-plaster came
off. You know I never had anything to do with women, Van. I always tried
to keep away from them. But that's where my life practically came to an
end."
"You mean--" began Vandover. "You mean--that you--that Flossie--?"
Haight nodded.
"Good God! I can't believe it. It's not possible! I _know_ Flossie!"
Haight shook his head, smiling grimly.
"I can't help that, Van," said he. "There's no denying facts, there's no
other possible explanation! As soon as I knew, I went to the doctors
here, and then I went to New York for treatment, but there's no hope. I
didn't know, you see. I didn't believe it possible. Turner Ravis and I
were engaged. I waited too long! There's only one escape for me now."
His voice dropped, he stared for a moment at the floor. Then he
straightened up, and said in a different tone, "But, damn it, Van, let's
not talk about it! I'm haunted with the thing day and night.
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