And here was Courtenay speaking again, speaking in the slow and

definite way of a man who was determined that there should be no

lingering doubt as to his meaning.

"I want you to listen to me, Elsie," he said, with a passionate

intensity that stilled the rising storm in her bosom. "Doctor

Christobal may have pleaded his own cause already. It is not for me to

cavil at him for doing that. But I cannot lose you without a word.

Whether you marry him or me, or neither of us, I shall love you for

ever. I want you to know that. It is no new discovery to me. I think

my heart went out to you when I carried you in my arms through the

gale, and since that hour you and I have had experiences denied to most

men and women ere they reach the conclusion that they are fit mates for

the voyage of life. Do you feel that, sweetheart? Have we known each

other ten days, or ten years?"

His face was very near to hers now. His arm had encroached so far that

it was around her neck. It was quite dark where they stood in the

shadow of the bridge. He could not see the tears in her eyes, but he

heard her broken answer: "Are you--quite--fair--in using such words to me?"

"Fair, Elsie! 'Fair' to whom?"

"Because--oh, how can I tell you? Are you free to--to speak to me in

this way?"

"Elsie, I am pledged to no other woman, if that is what you mean. Who

has been telling you otherwise?"

"No one. Indeed, indeed, I alone am to blame. You will be angry with

me, but I could not help it."

She could say no more. If she had uttered another syllable just then

she would have broken down completely. Joey did not seem to need any

further fondling; hence, having a hand at liberty, so to speak,

Courtenay placed it under her chin, and lifted her unresisting lips to

his. He kissed her twice, and laughed softly, with a glad confidence

that sent a wave of delight coursing through Elsie's veins.

"Sweetheart," he whispered, "I am sure you would not have allowed me to

speak so plainly if you were going to send me away. Now, I don't want

you to bind yourself irrevocably to-night. That would certainly not be

fair. I don't know why I am to be angry, or what it was you couldn't

help, and I don't care a red cent. All I want to know is this--if the

Kansas brings us both back to the outer world once more, have I as

good a chance of winning your love as any other man?"




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