His eyes were closed and he did not answer her nor see the tear-stained face so close to his that he felt her hot breath on his cheek. He was thinking of possibilities and finally said abruptly:
“You did not like Sandy’s will, you say, nor wish to abide by it!”
“No, I couldn’t, because, you see, there was Tom, whom I have known ever since I can remember,” Rena answered.
“And if there had been no Tom?” was Rex’s next question, put he scarcely knew why, except that he felt a desire to know if this little girl could have cared for him under any circumstances.
There was no hesitating in Rena’s answer as she again wiped the sweat from his face. She meant to be truthful now, if the heavens fell, and she said:
“I told you I was angry about the will, and I did not wish to be disposed of that way. I did not know you and did not suppose you would care for me, except for the money, and if that influenced you I should hate you. I don’t think you are that kind, now, and I don’t know what might have happened if there had been no Tom. I guess I have always loved him, but I like you very much and want you for my friend.”
She was very frank and Rex smiled faintly and said: “It’s some comfort to know that you like me and might possibly have cared if there were no Tom.”
He seemed very tired and Rena knew she ought to leave him, but could not go without his forgiveness.
“Miss Bennett will be coming for me, I have stayed so long,” she said, “but I cannot go until you forgive me.”
“I must,” he answered. “There is nothing else to do. It has hurt me some; for no man likes to be the subject of a joke like that, but I am glad you have told me and wish you had done so before.”