"Without you, Tom, there is no happiness for me. Tom dear, Tom darling, can't you see I 've come here because I love you?"
"What?" he exclaimed, and then, mindful of past disappointments, he raised his hand imploringly. "You are sure you are not joking this time?"
"Joking?" she repeated, advancing toward him. "Let this assure you."
As she spoke she kissed him full on the mouth, not once but thrice.
"Now are you convinced I am in earnest?" she asked shyly.
"Partly," he replied, still unable to fully realize that she had surrendered at last. "Convince me some more, Bessie."
Then as she kissed him again, he folded her in his arms and held her to his heart so tightly that she released herself with a little gasp.
"Please remember, sir, that I have to breathe," she remonstrated.
"I forgot everything, except that I had you in my arms," he answered. "Ah, Bessie darlin', my heart was breaking for you. I love you so much, dearest."
He embraced her again, and pressed her soft cool cheek to his, and it must be admitted she appeared to enjoy this proceeding as much as he did.