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.
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