“I’m the one to be forgiven. I’ve never had much instruction concerning social custom. I was reared where they were little known. In school I was too busy to bother about them. I’m crude. But, Elizabeth, I love you. I see now that I’ve no right to tell you, but I couldn’t help it. I’ve been driven to desperation. I have been like a caged animal for weeks past. I’ve been wild for just a little love and understanding in the midst of all I’ve gone through. But you don’t love me!” His breath was coming hard. He trembled as he rose. “You will love me some day! God will not let a man love as I do and give nothing in return!”
Stirred with pity, Elizabeth came to him from out the darkness.
“Forgive me,” he said as she came nearer. “I had no idea it would be like this.”
She did not take the hand he extended, but folding her arms behind her, she stood quite still and stared. “I’m so sorry! But I don’t understand you at all.”
“You need not try. I don’t understand myself. I have never been through anything like this in all my life. I thought instinct would lead you right to me. I never questioned but that you would understand. But don’t try, for I can’t explain. This afternoon I had just one thought: to tell you how I love you. I thought it would make me happy. Happy!” He laughed bitterly. “I didn’t stop to reason. It seems I have no reason.”
“Mr. McGowan, please stop! You frighten me,” cried the girl, drawing away again as he limped a step in her direction.
“Hate!” That one word was like the sharp sudden sting of a whip. “I hate this age of social position, where money stands 208 above the man. I hate the shell of so-called good families, as if lineage made the man, instead of man making the lineage. I hate–––”
“You must stop! Love that gives such torment as you have been describing to me is apt to turn out as nothing more than infatuation. I care for you, but in no such way as you have indicated to me. I want you for a friend. Don’t spoil that!”
He hobbled off down the beach as rapidly as his limping foot could travel. The girl came to his side and slipped her arm through his. “Lean on me just as heavily as you like,” she urged. “I know you think me unkind and cruel, but I do so want to help you.” Her voice broke unsteadily.