So the Major knelt to her very reverently and taking her two hands kissed them.
"Dear maid that I love," said he, "forgive the heart that doubted thee. But O love, because I am a very ordinary man, prithee don't—don't put my faith too oft upon the rack for I am over prone to doubts and jealous fears and they—O they are torment hard to bear." Now here she leaned forward and, taking him by two curls of his long periwig, drew him near until she could look into his eyes:
"Jack dear," she said, very tenderly, "I needs must meet this man again—and yet again——"
"Why?" he questioned, "Why?"
"Because 'tis only thus my plan shall succeed. Will you doubt me therefore?"
"No!" he cried hoarsely, "not you—never you, sweet maid! Tis him I doubt, he is a man, strong, determined and utterly ruthless and you are a woman——"
"And more than his match, John! O do but trust me! Do but wait until my plan is ripe——"
"Betty, a God's name what is this wild plan?"
"Nay, that I may not tell thee——"
"Could I not aid?"