I touched her lips with mine—and all the passion and joy of another sort of life warmed my blood once more.
"Wait only a few months, dear," I answered confidently, "and I will teach you."
Hope and incredulity struggled together in her face.
"You believe," she exclaimed, "that you will succeed?"
"Why not?" I answered. "I am counted dead. Could you yourself recognize me?"
She shook her head doubtfully.
"Your face itself is so changed," she answered. "My poor Jim, you are a very different person from the good-looking boy whose life seemed to depend upon catching that ball at Lord's. I think that you must have suffered a great deal."
"I have bought experience and the knowledge of life," I said grimly, "and
I suppose I have paid a pretty stiff price for it."
I hesitated.
"Are you strong enough, Adèle," I asked, "for another shock?"