Patience shook her head slowly, sadly; an eager light of desire for his love and tender care illuminated her face.
“Do you love me?” pursued the young man fervently.
“You mustn’t ask me that—wait!”
“And lose you again?” He laid his hand on one of hers. “No; I want my answer now.”
A harsh, commanding voice interrupted them.
“Harry!”
Patience started and drew her hand from beneath the other’s touch as an elderly man came into the room.
“Governor!” exclaimed Harry, a little surprised, but entirely composed as he went on:
“Governor, I want you to meet the young lady who is to be my wife.”
“What!” ejaculated John Boland, scarcely believing his own ears.