“He was just eulogizing me,” replied Neale. “What he said about your bright eyes was more to the point, I think.”
“It’s sweet to believe I could inspire you. But I know—and you know—that if I had not been here you would have seen through the engineering problem just the same... Now, be honest.”
“Yes, I would,” replied Neale, frankly. “Though perhaps not so swiftly. I could see through stone today.”
“And that proves your worth. Your duty it always has been—to stand by your chief. Oh, I love him!... He seems so much younger today. You have encouraged them all... Oh, dear Neale, there is something noble in what you can do for him. Can’t you see it?”
“Yes, Allie, indeed I do.”
“Promise me—never to fail him again.”
“I promise.”
“No matter what happens to me. I am alive, safe, well... and I’m yours. But something might happen—you can never tell, and I don’t refer particularly to Durade and his gang. I mean, life and everything is uncertain out here. So promise me, no matter what happens, that you’ll stand by your work.”
“I promise that, too,” replied Neale, huskily. “But you frighten me. You fear—for yourself?”
“No, I don’t,” she protested.