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?"