"You said you were afraid of famous men and millionaires—why, Hector, they sicken me. Hector, you're the first real man I've ever met. Oh, it isn't just that nice red coat—though that goes to my head like champagne, Hector. You are—you really are. Every girl has dreams, too. 'Some day,' I dreamt, 'I'll meet a real—real—man—brave, strong, chivalrous, with great, yes, great ideals—a fairy Prince, a Knight of the Round Table!' They say they don't live now—Oh, but they do! Perhaps the armour's gone, but they are Knights and Princes just the same. 'Well,' I said to myself, 'some day, God willing, I'll meet a man like that. How will I know him? Oh, I'll know him, never fear! And he'll come'—well, just as you came, Hector. And—it was you. I knew at once. Hector, I'd go with you to the world's end, if you asked me. But—Oh, Hector, there's——"
"I know," said Hector calmly. "Your father! He doesn't care for N.C.O.s——"
She looked away hastily.
"Oh, don't be ashamed," he added. "It's quite natural."
"You must see him," said Frances at last. "But you don't know him. He has a terrible temper and he's like granite—just like granite. Well, you must ask him—dear. We have to risk it. I don't think he'd—hurt me, Hector. Besides, you're a soldier's son—and—it isn't as if you had no prospects. But oh, I'm afraid—I'm afraid——" Her head sank on her breast. He took her two hands again and turned her towards him suddenly.
"Look at me!" he ordered, terribly earnest.
She obeyed.
"Frances—if—if your father says 'No'—will you wait? Will you stick to me? Only say that, and I'll wait for ever—to the very end, Frances. You say you know me. Well, believe me now."
Tears brimmed in her eyes.
"Will you, Frances?"