For the God of Things as They Are!’”
Rosalie’s eyes were bright as she met his.
“And I think Mr. Derwent means to let me work in my star. It’s such a little star, but I feel it in me to succeed, and if the day should come when I vindicate myself to—to people that are disappointed in me now and don’t understand, I shall be happy, happy.”
“Happiness is largely a matter of—of friendship, as you said a few minutes ago,” said Irving. “I want you to remember that you may always call upon me; that I am at your service. I swear you shall never be disappointed.”
Rosalie returned his earnest regard with serious eyes.
“You saved my life,” she said.
“I don’t think so,” he returned. “You would have stooped in a minute and crept to a place of safety on the trail.”
“Then why were you so savage with me?” she asked. “It would have been necessary for me to stand up on that rock, and to take a short step across to terra firma. It seems as if I never could have done it.”
“Oh, yes. The giddiness would have passed in a minute, and you would have done it. Self-preservation is the first law of life.”
Rosalie shook her head slowly. “Then you have a bad temper. You were frightfully cross.”