“I do; I’m not ashamed.... Should I be? And then?”
“Then?” he faltered.
“Yes; do we kiss?... For I am curious to have you do it—I am so certain I shall adore you when you do.... I wish we could go away somewhere together.... But we can’t do that until I am a bride, can we? Oh—do you really want me?”
“Can you ask?” he breathed.
“Ask? Yes—yes.... I love to ask! Your hand thrills me. We can’t go away now, can we? It took Iole so long to be permitted to go away with Mr. Wayne—all that time lost in so many foolish ways—when a girl is so impatient.... Is it not strange how my heart beats when I look into your eyes? Oh, there can be no doubt about it, I am dreadfully in love.... And so quickly, too. I suppose it’s because I am in such splendid health; don’t you?”
“I—I—well——”
“Oh, I do want to get up at once and go
away with you! Can’t we? I could explain to father.”
“Wait!” he gasped, “he—he’s asleep. Don’t speak—don’t touch him.”
“How unselfish you are,” she breathed. “No, you are not hurting my fingers. Tell me more—about love and the blessed years awaiting us, and about our children—oh, is it not wonderful!”