"Can't you promise me, Jack—me?" she asked, tenderly.
Long afterward she recalled to him that instant of hesitation before he replied.
"I promise," he exclaimed, finally, with a brave note of resolution in his voice.
She sighed and settled back more comfortably among the cushions.
"I knew you would," she said.
After a moment: "Do you care so very—so very, very much?" he asked.
"Of course I do," she answered, quite gaily.
"Why?"
The eagerness in his voice startled her. It may have been that which induced the little tremor she felt pass over her. She closed her eyes as he, leaning forward, watched her.
"Dearest—dearest," she heard him whisper; "is it because—because——"