“No, for she knew it would do no good, and she did not wish to make trouble. She has been thinking he might get over his unreasoning infatuation, but I think he grows worse and worse every day.”
“Inza will soon be Mrs. Merriwell, and that will settle Mr. Fillmore.”
He led Elsie back to her seat amid the pillows, taking care to see that she was perfectly comfortable.
“There, little girl!” he laughed, his eyes shining as he looked at her; “there you are. I’ve been a scoundrel! What you need is the right kind of a doctor, and I’m the doctor! You never let me know you were more than a trifle indisposed. Why should you be ill? It’s all nonsense! Sweetheart, we’ll have the color back to your cheeks in short order. Oh, yes we will!”
She smiled on him.
“You’re so encouraging, Bart, dear!” she breathed. “Truly you make me feel better.”
“I hope to make you feel so well that you’ll agree to carry out the plan we have spoken of so many times. Are you willing to see Frank and Inza reach the consummation of their happiness and leave us behind?”
“I have to be willing,” she said. “We must wait, Bart, dear.”
“I’ve waited so long, Elsie—so long!” he exclaimed, in a low tone that was deep with feeling. “And now the time has come. Elsie, my own, why do you put it off?”