'What?' she exclaimed. 'Love? I meant the stage. You think of nothing but acting.'
'Well--perhaps! What else have I to think of that brings any happiness to me?'
'I thought you loved me, Jessie.'
'So I do, Chris,' she said in careless fashion, still toying with the flower.
'And others, too,' I added.
'Well, yes--if you please. There are always more than two persons in the world.'
'Jessie!' I implored. 'It hurts me to hear you speak in that careless way. I cannot believe that it is in your nature to think and speak so lightly of what is most precious.'
'Why cannot you believe so?' she asked, somewhat more seriously. 'Am I the only one who lightly regards a precious gift--am I the only one who does not know the value of love?'
'I at least know the value of it, Jessie. Ah, you would believe me if you knew what I would do for you.'
'I think you love me, Chris.'