‘Don’t say that! A useful life can never be dull, and I have many pleasures beside.’
‘But you would like to see a little more of the world, would you not? You would like to visit your native country, England, and make the acquaintance of your relations?’
Liz looked at him wistfully.
‘I don’t think I should, at least under present circumstances. I am afraid the pain of leaving San Diego, and all those whom I have known from childhood, would out-balance the pleasure of seeing fresh people and places. I have known no other home than San Diego, Captain Norris, and I don’t think I could bear to leave the—the plantation.’
He did not answer her, but commenced, somewhat nervously, to undo the packages he held. As their contents came to view, Liz saw spread before her on the table a handsome morocco desk, a photographic album, and a complete set of silver ornaments.
‘Oh, how beautiful!’ she could not help exclaiming.
‘They are for you,’ said her companion brusquely; ‘I brought them from England expressly for you.’
‘For me!’ repeated Liz wonderingly. ‘Oh, Captain Norris, how very good it is of you! Whatever made you think of me?’
He seized the hand which was feeling the soft texture of the desk.
‘I do not know, I cannot tell you, but it is the truth, Liz, that wherever I am, I always think of you. All the time that I have been away, your face and the sound of your voice has haunted me, and prevented my being charmed by any other woman. I love you as I have never loved before—as I never shall love again, because I shall never meet another woman so worthy of my love and my esteem.’