“You are wrong. I don’t want to go away, that’s all. I want a horse, and I’m interested in—in the country. And I can’t believe that the Danglers would dare to go as far as that even if they were able.”
“They will think of a way—a safe way. I mean it. I beg you to go away to-morrow! Think of what life means to you—and those who love you! This isn’t a war. There would be nothing glorious in death here.”
“I believe you.”
“And think of your wife!”
“I haven’t any—but it would be rough on my mother, I’ll admit.”
“Rough on her? It would break her heart! And the woman you love—who loves you—who is waiting for you. Consider her feelings. Doesn’t her happiness mean anything to you? As much as your pride?”
Van scratched his chin.
“I believe there’s a great deal in what you say, but what about your ankle?”
“Please don’t be silly. I—this is serious—so serious that—I want to cry.”
“Not that, for heaven’s sake! I’ll be sensible. I’ll go away to-morrow. I’ll eat my pride and all that sort of thing and beat it.”