CHAPTER XXIV
THE AFTERGLOW
Anthony vetoed absolutely the idea of a marriage before Justin's fate should be finally decided.
"But if he knows," Bettina urged with trembling lips, "if he knows that he may be—crippled—he will say that I shall not marry him. You know that he would say that, Anthony."
"And he would be right. A chronic invalid should not marry, Betty. I have great hope of his recovery. You and he must live on that hope a little longer."
Bettina begged Diana to intercede, and that lovely lady, having claimed Anthony for a twilight walk on the beach, began her plea.
But after the first words she found that she must deal not with the man who loved her, but with the great Dr. Anthony.
"I shall certainly not allow it. I am not, of course, her legal guardian, and so I cannot prevent it in that way. But I can tell Justin."
"But she will not be happy without him, Anthony. If it were you, I should marry you."