He opened his eyes, and sprang up! Startled! She was there, before him, the blush still on cheek and brow.
“Elaine! sweetheart!” he cried. And, straightway took her, unresisting, in his arms.... 328
“Tell me all about yourself,” he said, at last, drawing her down into the chair and seating himself on the arm. “Where is Miss Carrington—safe?”
“Colin’s with her—I reckon she’s safe!” smiled Elaine. “It won’t be his fault if she isn’t, I’m sure.—I left them at Ashburton, and came over here to—you.”
“Alone!” said Croyden, bending over her.
She nodded, eyes half downcast.
“You foolish girl!”
“I’ll go back at once——”
He laughed, joyously.
“Not yet a little while!” and bent again.