“I don’t know; I suppose so. But sometimes, I think I don’t trust her.”
“Don’t trust anybody, my dear Avice. That’s the safest and sanest plan.”
“Have you become a cynic? You talk like one.”
“Don’t you want me to be one?”
“Surely not. I hate cynicism.”
“Then I won’t be one. For the only wish I have in life is to please you.” Landon’s voice fell lower, and glancing about to make sure there was no one in hearing, he went on, “All these years, Avice, I’ve been loving you more and more. I’ve been striving to make a name and a fortune worthy of you. And I came home to further that purpose, and to see if there’s any hope for me. Is there, dear?”
“Oh, Kane, don’t talk like that now. Why, just think, Uncle——”
“I know it, little girl. Uncle isn’t yet buried. But when I saw you this morning, for the first time in so long, and when I saw how beautiful you have grown, I couldn’t wait to tell you of my love and hopes. Tell me I may hope,—tell me that, Avice.”
“I don’t know, Kane. You bewilder me. I never dreamed of this——”
“What, Avice! Never dreamed of it? Never even dreamed that I loved you—that you could—some day, love me?”