"You may not like me, Jeems."
"I love you," he whispered. "Nothing in the world can stop my loving you."
"Even if I tell you--soon--that I killed Barkley?"
"No. You would be lying."
"Or--if I told you--that I--killed--Kedsty?"
"No matter what you said, or what proof there might be back there, I would not believe you."
She was silent. And then, "Jeems--"
"Yes, Niska, Little Goddess--?"
"I'm going to tell you something--now!"
He waited.
"It is going to--shock you--Jeems."
He felt her arms reaching up. Her two hands touched his shoulders.
"Are you listening?"
"Yes, I am listening."
"Because I'm not going to say it very loud." And then she whispered, "Jeems--I LOVE YOU!"