Presently she heard his voice sounding calmly: "Are you all right, Jean?"
"Yes.... I was thinking of you—as long as[313] I could think at all. I was ready to go—anywhere—with you."
"I have been ready for that," he said unsteadily, "from the moment I heard your voice. But it is—is wonderful of you!"
She opened her blue eyes, dreamily looking up into his. Then the colour surged into her face.
"If—if you had spoken to me across the aisle," she said, "it would have begun even sooner, I think.... Because I can't imagine myself not—caring for you."
He took her into his arms:
"Don't worry," he said, "I'll make a place for you in the world, even if that Maltese cross means nothing."
She looked into his eyes fearlessly: "I know you will," she said.
Then he kissed her and she put both arms around his neck and offered her fresh, young lips again.[314]