I closed my hand on hers and held it.
“Well, only Bourgwan then,” I said, and she smiled. “If you could think for yourself....” I began again.
“No,” she whispered. “Don’t tempt me. You make it so hard for me.”
“It must be as you decide,” I pleaded. “But the world holds no other woman for me than you.”
At that she started, drew her hand away quickly, and bit her lip. “I had forgotten,” she murmured.
I read her thought. It was of Elma’s lie. “In that you did me grave wrong. I had no thought but for you in coming here; and none in staying. You might have trusted me after that day at Samac.”
“I did not mistrust you. I thought only of your——” she hesitated in sudden embarrassment.
“Let all be clear now between us, Gatrina. We may never meet again or we may never part again—as you decide it. The stake is too great for us to risk it all for the lack of plain words. I know what is in your thoughts; but on my honour it was never for an instant in mine, and never could be. Do believe that.”
“I thought you felt it would be impossible for us—oh, it is so difficult.”
“Then put your hand in mine again and I shall know the slander is understood.”