She clutched his arm with a trembling hand.
"I—I—wish you had not told me," she faltered. "I—shall—be nervous now—in my part, I fear."
"You do not mean that you can care for that fellow still—you, my promised bride, and he the husband of Daisy Odell?" reproachfully.
"Oh, no, no; do not accuse me of such weakness," wildly. "But there is—Cissy, you know—Cissy turned against me, and we were so fond once!"
Her voice was almost a wail.
"Do not think of her, my dearest love—she is not worthy of it, the jealous, envious creature! Call pride to help you appear indifferent. Do not even turn your head toward that box, and they need never know how they have wounded your fond heart," he persisted, anxiously.
"Yes, yes; I will obey you," she answered, faintly.
"And, Geraldine, my darling—my sweet, promised bride—you know how madly I love you, but you have denied all my prayers for an immediate marriage! Will you not relent and make me the happiest man on earth? Oh, let us be married to-night after the play! It can be managed easily enough. Say yes, dearest?"
A call-boy came through the corridor, chanting:
"Only five minutes till next act—only five minutes."