“I did, Rand! I realized long ago that I was wrong, too! It’s not that. I’m afraid I can’t make you understand. It’s just that—that I’ve seen so much of the wickedness and greed and brutality of—men, since gold was found here, that—well, I don’t expect—oh, I can’t talk about it, Rand!”
“But we’re not all that way, Jeanne!”
“I know that, of course. But it—doesn’t seem to make up for some of the—things I’ve seen.”
“Then—is there no hope for me?”
“I’m afraid not.” Her answer was in a low voice, and she did not look up.
They had come to the edge of the cliff and now stood looking down at the chattering little river whose magic name had summoned the treasure-seekers from far and wide.
“Nevertheless,” he said quietly, “I will hope. I haven’t come across a whole continent to—to give up now! I love you, Jeanne. I always have loved you. I won’t lose you just because these creatures out here have been making—gold-beasts of themselves!”
She was silent a moment. “Then,” she questioned softly, “it wasn’t true that you came here for the gold-fields?”
“That was the truth,” he answered slowly, “but only a small part of it. I came here for you! And just as soon as I make my strike, I’ll try again—and keep on trying until I win or there’s not a chance left. But until then, Jeanne, you will not be bothered about it any more. I give you my word for that.”
There was a little awkward pause.