“It has all been like a terrible dream, now that we are out of danger. It seems days since we left the hotel, and—and—oh! what will papa say—and Aunt Margaret? What will people think?” And she covered her face with her hands.
“The last is not a knotty problem,” I replied gently, though I could not spare her distress. “We will not be overburdened with Christ-like charity, and the result may be hard for you to bear.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, dropping her hands.
“Do you not see?” said I, as with my heart beating rapidly I went boldly to meet my fate. “Do you know so little of the world—of the venom of it? We have done an innocent thing, but, forgive me, will people believe it? Your father will be fiercely angry, society will be skeptical, and—and I would protect you from all scandal; I would bear your father’s anger for you.”
She was rosy now and her lips were half apart, but she did not answer.
“I know I am taking an undue advantage by making such a proposal here, but it is the old force of circumstances which permits me. There is but one way, Edith. Give me the right I would have—the right to protect you! Does not your heart understand my meaning? We could then face the world together and not care. No, that is not all,” I continued as I saw she was about to speak. “God knows that affection lacks proper words to express it! I have been so fearful—that is why I have been dumb so long! To me the gale has been a godsend, not a misfortune. Edith, must I be wrecked at last?”
She had turned away her face, but now she looked at me, not in anger nor amazement. As she fixed her beautiful eyes on mine I saw the tears come into them and overflow, but she made no answer.
“Have I hurt you?” I cried.
“You are generous,” she said; “but are you honest now? Are you sure you wish this? Is it me you really want? You are a man and will not be blamed—and I—well, I can live it down. The fault was mine, not yours. Perhaps you will regret; perhaps it is because you are sorry for me that you offer me your—your protection. Oh! be sure—be sure!”
I do not remember what I said or did then, but I know I had a ready answer for this and urged it so vehemently, becoming oblivious to all else, that the sloop yawed widely and I was called to earth by a shout from the tug to the effect that I had better “mind my eye” and see what in the devil I was about.