"Only the slightest sound came from her dry throat."
"That is what I must know of you, child," he replied, watching her intently.
She pressed closer with sudden desperate courage, her voice full of wistful friendliness:
"Oh, major, what have I done to offend you? I've tried so hard to win your love and respect. All my life I've been alone in a world of strangers, friendless and homesick——"
He lifted his hand with a firm gesture:
"Come, child, to the point! I must know the truth now. Tom has made love to you?"
She blushed:
"I—I—wish to see Tom before I answer——"
Norton dropped his uplifted arm with a groan: