"And how about me?"
"—wait patiently a few days then, if you still feel the same about me, follow me!... and, until you come to join me, write me at least three times a day."
"I'll do it ..." then I couldn't help being playful again, "I'll write you entirely in cave-fashion."
"I am taking a big step, Johnnie, I'm through with Penton Baxter forever—but I wonder if my new life is to be with you ... you are such an irresponsible, delightful madman at times....
"You're wonderful as a lover ... but as a man with a woman to take care of—!"
"Don't worry about that! just give me a chance, and I'll show you I can be practical too."
Hildreth had gone. With her going the bottom seemed to drop out of my existence, leaving a black hole where it had fallen through. I walked about, looking so truly miserable, that even Baxter spoke with gentle consideration to me.
"Poor Johnnie, to think you'd run into a proposition like this, the first pop out of the box."
"No, it isn't what you think ... I'm getting malaria, I believe."