If one talks of duty,
and recognizes its prior claim, what of the man who, in his selfish
frenzy, is prepared to leave others to their fate, whether on a wrecked
ship or a barren island? So he turned to Elsie again.
"By the way, you have never seen those letters," he said. "I was
hunting for them when the alarm was raised last night. Shall I bring
them now?"
Elsie gave him a glance of subtle meaning. Her eyes telegraphed "What
matters it whether I see them to-day or in half a century? Do I not
trust you?" But she only murmured:
"Not now, I am telling Mrs. Somerville and Isobel all the news."
He squeezed her shoulder. Any excuse would serve for those slight
pettings which mean so much during early days in wonderland.
"Then I shall resume my rounds. I expect to be received reproachfully
by Walker. He made great progress yesterday. Let me whisper a secret.
Then you may pass it on, in strictest confidence."
He placed his lips close to her ear.
"I am dreadfully in love with you this morning," he breathed.
"That is no secret," she retorted.
"It is. You and I together must daily find new paths in Eden.
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