Goddard took her half extended hand in both of his.
"One moment," he implored, in so low a tone that she barely heard the words. "Did you intend that song to have an especial meaning for me? Did you?"
Nancy simply bowed her head in an affirmative.
Goddard drew a deep breath. His eyes scanned her face yearningly.
"No man or circumstance shall part us," he said grimly.
"You forget, sir, that it is my privilege to choose my friends and acquaintances."
The accent on the last word was unmistakable. Goddard paled under his tan.
"Do you dislike me?" he demanded.
"Yes."
Goddard could not see the effort the monosyllable cost her. In bitter disappointment he dropped her hand. As Nancy turned abruptly away she tripped over the root of a tree. Instantly Goddard caught and steadied her. Her soft hair brushed his cheek ... one breathless moment ... he clasped her in his arms and showered kisses on the face pressed against his shoulder. Desperately Nancy wrenched herself free and disappeared inside the tent. With shining eyes and bounding pulse he rejoined Tucker and Lloyd by the camp fire.