"It's that way with me now, and I'm just finding out about myself."
Her eyes were fixed on the white line of the rapids. "I don't know
what sort of a woman I'm going to be,—that sounds queer but it's true.
I'm going to want something more than love," she added under her breath.
Belding did not stir and there drifted down to them the deep, hollow monotone that pervades St. Marys when the wind comes in from the west. The young man scanned the innumerable lights beside the rapids,—he could place each one of them. Then slowly the moon came up with a soft gleam that laid a silver path across the river and touched the girl into an unearthly beauty.
"I want you, Elsie," he pleaded.
She looked at him with eyes like stars. "Perhaps I want you, Jimmy," she breathed, "but I don't know yet. Supposing I said 'yes' and then it was all wrong—for each of us?"
"You said you asked for more than love; perhaps I have no more—in your mind."
Clark's name was hammering in his brain, but he kept it down.
Followed a little silence. "Do you want to do something for me?" she said presently. Her lips were tremulous.
"I've always wanted that."
"Then give me time to find myself—I'm trying hard now."
Belding moved restlessly. "I'm afraid that some one else will find you."