He put his inarticulate lips against her forehead.
“Nothing can take that away. It’s ours—forever. It’s more than life gives most people. And I’m not a real failure, because my longing has been satisfied—in you.” The clouded eyes struggled to his. “Come closer, dear. That’s why you mustn’t fail to-night. Tell me you won’t.”
“But the thought of leaving you—it—it’s too much. I can’t stand it!”
“You must, Frank! Everything depends on it.”
“Do you think anything that matters there—will count?”
“But if I want you there instead of here—if it means everything to me?”
Her fingers twined feverishly through his. Her eyes were frightened. Her voice gathered sudden strength.
“I want to spur you to triumph, darling, not defeat. I want you to ring the bell, so that—always—I can know I was a help not a hindrance.”
“Elaine—you mustn’t talk any more. You’re tired.”
“No—I’m not. Let me tell you the thing I want to say. You can’t serve two masters, dear, the theater and me. You love us both—but to-night the theater must come first. It is your master—mine, too. You must let it take you away from me when you want to stay. You [232] ]must let it absorb you—mind and body. You must forget that I’m ill—forget me while I’m remembering you. No matter what happens! Frank—promise me—”