The fifth of June arriving, the Finchleys departed as Sondra had indicated, but not without a most urgent request from her that he be prepared to come to the Cranstons' either the second or third week-end following -- she to advise him definitely later -- a departure which so affected Clyde that he could scarcely think what to do with himself in her absence, depressed as he was by the tangle which Roberta's condition presented. And exactly at this time also, Roberta's fears and demands had become so urgent that it was really no longer possible for him to assure her that if she would but wait a little while longer, he would be prepared to act in her behalf. Plead as he might, her case, as she saw it, was at last critical and no longer to be trifled with in any way. Her figure, as she insisted (although this was largely imaginative on her part), had altered to such an extent that it would not be possible for her longer to conceal it, and all those who worked with her at the factory were soon bound to know. She could no longer work or sleep with any comfort -- she must not stay here any more. She was having preliminary pains -- purely imaginary ones in her case. He must marry her now, as he had indicated he would, and leave with her at once -- for some place -- any place, really -- near or far -- so long as she was extricated from this present terrible danger. And she would agree, as she now all but pleaded, to let him go his way again as soon as their child was born -- truly -- and would not ask any more of him ever -- ever. But now, this very week -- not later than the fifteenth at the latest -- he must arrange to see her through with this as he had promised.

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