“It is very strange,” cried Annette. “I am sure the letter was in my pocket with my little netted purse.”
“Never mind, dear, the letter does not matter now,” Daisie returned sadly, for it seemed to her that Dallas was lost to her forever.
She was wretched, too, for, although she had confessed everything to Royall Sherwood, he would not release her from her promise to marry him.
CHAPTER X.
DAISIE’S DESPAIR.
Royall Sherwood’s surprise and chagrin were beyond expression when he returned to Gull Beach and learned all that had happened in the two days of his absence.
For Daisie, in her desperation, did not spare herself. She had confessed everything, and taken back her promise.
“I never loved you, and it was flattered vanity alone that made me accept you. Forgive me, and release me,” she pleaded, shrinking back from the flash of the beautiful ring he was trying to place on her finger.
In that moment he realized fully with what a passion he loved her, and what a pang it would cost to give up the one he adored with all the fervor of his heart.
“Daisie Bell, I will not release you!” he vowed, clinging to the little hand that she strove to withdraw. “You gave me your promise of your own free will, and you shall not break it now.”
He saw her turn pale and tremble with alarm, and he continued wildly: