And here was Courtenay speaking again, speaking in the slow and definite way of a man who was determined that there should be no lingering doubt as to his meaning.
“I want you to listen to me, Elsie,” he said, with a passionate intensity that stilled the rising storm in her bosom. “Doctor Christobal may have pleaded his own cause already. It is not for me to cavil at him for doing that. But I cannot lose you without a word. Whether you marry him or me, or neither of us, I shall love you for ever. I want you to know that. It is no new discovery to me. I think my heart went out to you when I carried you in my arms through the gale, and since that hour you and I have had experiences denied to most men and women ere they reach the conclusion that they are fit mates for the voyage of life. Do you feel that, sweetheart? Have we known each other ten days, or ten years?”
His face was very near to hers now. His arm had encroached so far that it was around her neck. It was quite dark where they stood in the shadow of the bridge. He could not see the tears in her eyes, but he heard her broken answer:
“Are you—quite—fair—in using such words to me?”
“Fair, Elsie! ‘Fair’ to whom?”
“Because—oh, how can I tell you? Are you free to—to speak to me in this way?”
“Elsie, I am pledged to no other woman, if that is what you mean. Who has been telling you otherwise?”
“No one. Indeed, indeed, I alone am to blame. You will be angry with me, but I could not help it.”
She could say no more. If she had uttered another syllable just then she would have broken down completely. Joey did not seem to need any further fondling; hence, having a hand at liberty, so to speak, Courtenay placed it under her chin, and lifted her unresisting lips to his. He kissed her twice, and laughed softly, with a glad confidence that sent a wave of delight coursing through Elsie’s veins.
“Sweetheart,” he whispered, “I am sure you would not have allowed me to speak so plainly if you were going to send me away. Now, I don’t want you to bind yourself irrevocably to-night. That would certainly not be fair. I don’t know why I am to be angry, or what it was you couldn’t help, and I don’t care a red cent. All I want to know is this—if the Kansas brings us both back to the outer world once more, have I as good a chance of winning your love as any other man?”