The temptation came to bid Gerald stay. If he remained in England they might give rein to their passion and let it die of itself; and that might be the only way to kill it. Yet Bertha dared not. And it was terrible to think that he loved her, and she must continually distress him. She looked into his eyes, fancying she saw there the grief of a breaking heart; and his sorrow was more than she could bear. Then a greater temptation beset her. There is one way in which a woman can bind a man to her for ever, there is one tie that is indissoluble; her very flesh cried out, and she trembled at the thought that she could give Gerald the inestimable gift of her person. Then he might go, but that would have passed between them which could not be undone; they might be separated by ten thousand miles, but they would always be joined together. How else could she prove to him her wonderful love, how else could she show her immeasurable gratitude? The temptation was mighty, incessantly recurring; and she was very weak. It assailed her with all the violence of her fervid imagination. She drove it away with anger, she loathed it with all her heart--but she could not stifle the appalling hope that it might prove too strong. Chapter XXXII At last Gerald had but one day more. A long-standing engagement of Bertha and Miss Ley forced him to take leave of them early, for he started from London at seven in the morning. “I’m dreadfully sorry that you can’t spend your last evening with us,” said Miss Ley. “But the Trevor-Jones will never forgive us if we don’t go to their dinner-party.” “Of course it was my fault for not finding out before, when I sailed.” “What are you going to do with yourself this evening, you wretch?” “Oh, I’m going to have one last unholy bust.” “I’m afraid you’re very glad that for one night we can’t look after you.” In a little while Miss Ley, looking at her watch, told Bertha that it was time to dress. Gerald got up, and kissing Miss Ley, thanked her for her kindness. “My dear boy, please don’t sentimentalise. And you’re not going for ever. You’re sure to make a mess of things and come back--the Leys always do.” Then Gerald turned to Bertha and held out his hand. “You’ve been awfully good to me,” he said, smiling; but there was in his eyes a steadfast look, which seemed trying to make her understand something. “We’ve had some ripping times together.” “I hope you won’t forget me entirely. We’ve certainly kept you out of mischief.” Miss Ley watched them, admiring their composure. She thought they took the parting very well. “I dare say it was nothing but a little flirtation and not very serious. Bertha’s so much older than he and so sensible that she’s most unlikely to have made a fool of herself.” But she had to fetch the gift which she had prepared for Gerald. “Wait just one moment, Gerald,” she said. “I want to get something.” She left the room and immediately the boy bent forward.