"Oh, yes—yes!" Her little hand inside his clenched convulsively and her voice broke.
Kneeling beside her, he drew her into his arms and felt her breath suddenly hot and feverish against his shoulder. But if there had been tears in her eyes they dried unshed, for he saw no traces of them when he kissed her.
"In God's name," he whispered, "let the past bury its accursed dead and give me a chance. I love you, worship you, adore you. Give me my chance in life again, Jacqueline!"
"I—I give it to you—as far as in me lies. But it rests with you, Jim, what you will be."
His own philosophy returned to mock him out of the stainless mouth of this young girl! But he said passionately:
"How can I be arbiter of my own fate unless I have all you can give me of love and faith and unswerving loyalty?"
"I give you these."
"Then—as a sign—return the kiss I give you—now."
There was no response.
"Can you not, Jacqueline?"