“Rabat is a half–way house to Oku, Evelyn,” he said. “I am going, of course, for two reasons. In the first instance, I want to set Garcia’s soul at rest about those masses which, it seems to me, can only be done by obeying the letter of his instructions. And, secondly, I mean to secure that ruby.”
This time she passed no comment.
He caught her arm and bent closer.
“If I bring it to you in Madeira you will not refuse to accept it?” he said.
“Now you are talking nonsense,” she replied, turning and looking at him bravely, with steadfast scrutiny.
“No. There would be a condition, of course. With the ruby you must take the giver.”
“Are you asking me to marry you?” she almost whispered.
“After knowing me a few idle hours of three days?”
“I was exactly the same mind the first time I met you. I see no valid reason why I should change a well–balanced opinion during the next thirty or forty years.”