When he finally told how Georgia allowed him to take her in his arms, Cleo smiled to hide the aching heart she carried, and which she feared might betray its pain upon her face.
Of course she thought that was the end.
"You love her with a deathless devotion, cousin—she has become a sine qua non to your existence?" she remarked, to hide her little tremor, her pallor and any confusion that might appear.
"She is the life of my life—I had gone to the point of being an old bachelor, cousin, without ever falling in love—indeed, I had begun to doubt seriously whether my nature was capable of any passion, for my devotion to your cousinly self had been the only affection I had ever known—when she crossed my path like a brilliant meteor and from that day to this I have not known the old peace. Yes, I love her with heart and soul—as you say it truly seems as though this dark-eyed girl had become an indispensable condition to my existence. I tell you this knowing how much you care for my happiness—how you sympathize with my griefs and rejoice when prosperity finds me."
Perhaps it was cruel to say this, but remember that Owen found it almost impossible to believe Cleo entertained a passion for him beyond that calm, cousinly affection.
Besides, it was a part of his religion that heroic treatment was always best.
If he had an unpleasant duty to perform the sooner it was done the better for his peace of mind.
"You say this happened at about dusk?" she asked.
"Yes, I was hurrying to the hotel to dress so that I might eat dinner with you."