“Yes,” he said slowly, “I do need you—I think I have always needed you. I only wish that you needed me.”
He was still looking steadily across the corner of the kitchen table into the brown eyes. They widened a bit with astonishment, and then flashed with incredulous joy. Her cheeks paled and flushed.
She had the poise of a startled bird just ready to take wing.
“Miss Dudley, do you—need me? Do you?” He bent towards her, and involuntarily she drew back.
“No, don’t!” he pleaded. “I’m not coming—unless you want me.”
Her lips moved, but with no word. She looked up into his eyes, a sweet, tremulous smile on the lips that would not speak.
“Bless you, little girl!” he breathed, and took a quick step round the table.
“Teeters and tongs!” ejaculated Benedicta from the back piazza, “what in the universe are you doin’? Ain’t you ready yet? I’ve been sittin’ there in the chariot for an hour or less. I thought we were goin’ to Overlook!”
“Yes, Benedicta, I’ll be out in a minute!” Polly’s lips had spoken.
There was a knock, and then the inner door crept open, Lilith calling out, “Anybody here?—Oh, I beg your pardon!”