"I do not love Nalte, nor does she love me. I love only you, Duare; and Nalte and Ero Shan love one another. We are on our way to Vepaja; I would rather take my chances of winning you there than live a Sanjong in Havatoo without you."
She sat in silence for a long time; then, presently, she turned and looked up into my face. "Carson!" she said in a low voice.
"Yes, Duare, what is it?"
"I love you!"
I could not believe that I had heard aright. "But, Duare, you are the daughter of a jong of Vepaja!" I exclaimed.
"That I have known always," she said, "but I have just learned that above all things else I am a woman."
I took her in my arms then. I could have held her thus forever, as our marvelous plane raced onwards toward Vepaja and home.
LOST ON VENUS