"And have some other lucky beggar with more gumption carrying her off in the meanwhile?"
"If she married anyone else in six months it would most certainly prove that she had not got the same true depth of feeling for you that you have for her. You ought to be sure, both of yourself and of her, before you make her your wife."
Thus Jack continued, arguing and discussing, talking the profoundest of common sense, yet with enough of sympathy to add weight to his words. And again Geoffrey saw the dark side of the shield, noticed the shadows athwart the roseate path. Finally he resolved not to alter his plans for the summer. Six months would soon be gone, and the passing of this time of test would sweep the last lingering scruples from his mind.
"It is a serious matter, and ought to be treated seriously. I'm glad I've resolved to go," was his ultimate conclusion.
"I shall often write to you, Evarne," he declared, holding the girl's hands as they bade each other farewell. "You will answer my letters, won't you?"
She did not look up, not able to trust herself to meet his eyes.
"Yes," she replied very meekly, yet gloriously gladdened at heart. "I will write if you wish me to."
Impulsively Geoffrey bent down and kissed first one of the hands he held and then the other. Thus they parted.