The Pagan Madonna - Page 128/141

* * * * *

When Dennison opened his eyes again Jane was still holding his hand. Upon

beholding his father Dennison held out his free hand.

"Will you take it, Father? I'm sorry."

"Of course I'll take it, Denny. I was an old fool."

"And I was a young one."

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Cleigh asked, eagerly.

"If it won't be too much trouble."

"No trouble at all."

A hand pressure, a few inconsequent phrases, that is always enough for two

strong characters in the hour of reconciliation.

Cleigh out of the way, Jane tried to disengage her hand, but Dennison only

tightened his grip.

"No"--a pause--"it's different now. The old boy will find some kind of a

job for me. Will you marry me, Jane? I did not speak before, because I

hadn't anything to offer."

"No?"

"I couldn't offer marriage until I had a job."

"But supposing your father doesn't give you one?"

"Why----"

"You poor boy! I'm only fishing."

"For what?"

"Well, why do you want to marry me?"

"Hang it, because I love you!"

"Why didn't you tell me that in the first place? How was I to know unless

you told me? But oh, Denny, I want to go home!" She laid her cheek against

his hand. "I want a garden with a picket fence round it and all the simple

flowers. I never want another adventure in all my days!"

"Same here!"

A stretch of silence.

"What happened to me?"

"Someone hit you with a wine bottle."

"A vintage--and I never got a swallow!"

"And then your father went to your defense."

"The old boy? Honestly?"

"He stood astride your body until Mr. Cunningham came in and stopped the

mêlée."

"Cunningham! They quit?"

"Yes--Flint. I didn't dream it wouldn't be safe to go on deck, and Flint

caught me. He was drunk. But for Cunningham, I don't know what would have

happened. I ran and left them fighting, and Flint wounded Cunningham with

a knife. It was for me, Denny. I feel so sorry for him! So alone, hating

himself and hating the world, tortured with misunderstanding--good in him

that he keeps smothering and trampling down. His unbroken word--to hang to

that!"

"All right. So far as I'm concerned, that cleans the slate."