"Father loved you so," she uttered.
"That's not enough, either."
She drew herself gently away from him, but remained on her knees. He sat up in the low chair, and their faces were on a level. Into hers returned that look of riches unutterable and her eyes poured their gift into his. She clasped her hands across her breast as she gazed.
The arms that had held him so close and protectingly felt empty.
"I love you, Bertram," she said, the words falling from her lips like a vow.
Instantly the man's loose-lying hands became vital. King clasped her to him. Their cheeks clung together and they kissed.
CHAPTER XXVI
A DIPLOMATIST
Luella Benslow had enjoyed her round of afternoon calls. She had paraded the importance of the guests she was "accommodating" and had swelled with satisfaction in the interest she had elicited.