Yes, Teddy's heart was touched for once, and he loved bonny Kathleen even more warmly than in the former time when:
"She had all that love could give, all that makes it sweet to live—
Fond caresses, jewels, dresses; and with eloquent appeal
Many a proud and rich adorer knelt—in metaphor—before her."
Teddy could not realize but that Kathleen would return his love some time. He knew he was "a catch," in worldly parlance, and he knew that he was good to look upon. Why, then, should not beautiful Kathleen learn to love him? Other girls had found it easy to do so—girls for whom he had not cared an iota, only to amuse himself.
This was different. Teddy—flirting Teddy—had found heaven at last in a girl's eyes!—deep, dark eyes like shady pools in their thick fringes. Her glance thrilled him; the touch of her soft, cool little hand burned like fire. He could think of nothing but his love for her, and his desire to marry her and lift her again to her old proud position.
"Once my wife, she should queen it over that fat Alpine Belmont, who got all her money," he said to his cousin. "She should have one of the finest houses in Boston, horses and carriages, jewels and fine dresses, and I would worship the very ground she trod on!"
[CHAPTER XXXII.]
"WE HAVE MET—WE HAVE LOVED—WE HAVE PARTED!"
Farewell, farewell! for aye, farewell,
Yet must I end as I began,
I love you, love you, love but you.
Joaquin Miller.
Kathleen gave up all hope of ever hearing from her Southern relatives.