“I guess he could live through it. They usually do, and don’t lose many meals at that. I think he’s running a bluff, myself.”
Kate drew slightly away from him.
“That’s a poor compliment.”
Bertram studied her meaning.
“What?”
“To say that a man couldn’t get crazy over me.” 222
“Oh! Not on your life. Sure thing no. I don’t know a girl anywhere that a man has more license to get crazy over. You’re a beauty and you’re just about the best fellow I know.”
“I suppose you had to say that!”
“I figure that I wanted to. If I haven’t said it before, it’s because—” he stopped; Kate, as though it were an actual presence, could see the figure of Eleanor rising between them.
“Yes, I know—” she said quickly. “You do think I’m attractive then—cross your heart.”