She smiled and placed her hand in his arm and they swung into the easy step of the ship’s constitutional.
Six times they passed the quiet figure in its chair. Then the woman slowed her pace a little.
“I cannot bear it any longer—not to know!” She lifted her hand to the figure wrapped in its steamer-rug and lying so still. “When I look at her—I cannot bear it!... She knows. She has foregathered with the great—! She knows the secret!” They had come to a stop, and she turned to him. “If I marry you I shall not be happy—” She seemed to throw out the words accusingly.
“Are you happy now?” he asked gently.
“I am free!” she flung back.... “There are things women must do—for the world!” She looked about her vaguely.
“This is one of them—perhaps. But—” He looked at her narrowly. “Not unless—you love me.”
She looked at him and smiled subtly.
“I want to do brave things. I want to vote and reform cities and states. I want to found kingdoms and rule them! But—I am—going to marry you.”
He moved a little toward her.
She held up her hand. “I am going to marry you—because you hold the secret—of the Past.... I cannot live without it.” She caught her breath and half reached out her hands—as if to a blind god who demanded sacrifice. There was a wistful look in her face.