Part 36 (1/2)
”When my money was exhausted.”
”I never dreamt!”
”What else was left for me?”
”Surely you knew that I'd provide for you?”
”I couldn't accept it--then.”
”You'll accept it now?”
”I must think.”
”I insist! I claim it as my right! You wouldn't torture me all my life with the thought that I'd driven you to----”
”Don't say it.”
Riviere took her hand and bent to kiss it reverently. There was silence for many moments--a silence of deep sympathy. Elaine's flushed cheeks told Riviere more plainly than words what she was feeling.
”I'm so glad,” she said at length. ”So glad to know.”
”And I'm glad to have told you.”
”I shall get my sight back now. I have something to live for.”
”Please G.o.d, you will.”
”I feel it. I have something to live for.... Dear John!”
She sought to take his hand in hers, but he rose abruptly from beside her couch and strode away.
”We're forgetting!” he exclaimed bitterly. ”I'm still Clifford Matheson.”
”Not to me.”
”Nothing can alter the fact.”
”Let us live in dreamland awhile,” she pleaded gently.
”But the awakening must come.”
”We have till May 3rd.”
”Till May 3rd.... And then?”
”And then you will go back to the fight.”
”Yes. But Larssen won't relent. Nor will my wife.”