“Pardon me if I am brusque and abrupt, sweet girl, but the words are forcing themselves like a torrent from my heart to my lips—ah, Heaven, you must have guessed the truth ere this, Queenie! I love you! I love you with a passion so great it is driving me mad. Let me pray my prayer to you, let me kneel at your feet and utter it. Ah, Heaven! words fail me to tell you how dearly I love you, my darling. My life seems to have merged completely into yours. I love you so dearly and well, if you send me from you, you will wreck my life—break my heart. I cast my life as a die upon your yes or no. Look at me, darling, and answer me—will you be my wife, Queenie. For Heaven’s sake say yes and end my agitation and my misery. Is your answer life or death for me, my love?”
CHAPTER II.
A WORSHIPER OF WEALTH.
“I have two lovers, both brave and gay;
And they both have spoken their minds to-day;
They both seem dying for love of me;
Well, if I choose one of them, which shall it be?
One is handsome, and tall, and grand,
With gold in the bank and acres of land,
And he says he will give them all to me
If only I’ll promise his wife to be.