Part 63 (2/2)

The nurse opened the door and looked into the garden. Then she closed the door, gently, and went back into the house.

For she had seen a slim girl with short yellow hair curling all over her head, and that head was resting on a young man's shoulder.

It seemed unnecessary, too, because there were two steamer chairs under the rose arbor, side by side, and pillows sufficient for each.

And why a slim young girl should prefer to pillow her curly, yellow head upon the shoulder of a rather gaunt young man--the shoulder, presumably, being bony and uncomfortable--she alone could explain perhaps.

The young man did not appear to be inconvenienced. He caressed her hair while he spoke:

”From here to Belfort,” he was saying in his musing, agreeable voice, ”and from Belfort to Paris; and from Paris to London, and from London to Strathlone Head, and from Strathlone Head to Glenark Cliffs, and from Glenark Cliffs to Isla Water, and from Isla Water--to our home! Our home, Yellow-hair,” he repeated. ”What do you think of that?”

”I think you have forgotten the parson's house on the way. You are immoral, Kay.”

”Can't a Yank sky-pilot in Paris--”

”Darling, I must have some clothing!”

”Can't you get things in Paris?”

”Yes, if you'll wait and not become impatient for Isla. And I warn you, Kay, I simply won't marry you until I have some decent gowns and underwear.”

”You don't care for me as much as I do for you,” he murmured in lazy happiness.

”I care for you more. I've cared for you longer, too.”

”How long, Yellow-hair?”

”Ever--ever since your head lay on my knees in my car a year ago last winter! You know it, too,” she added. ”You are a spoiled young man. I shall not tell you again how much I care for you!”

”Say 'love',' Yellow-hair,” he coaxed.

”No!”

”Don't you?”

”Don't I what?”

”Love me?”

”Yes.”

”Then won't you say it?”

She laughed contentedly. Then her warm head moved a little on his shoulder; he looked down; lightly their lips joined.

”Kay--my dear--dear Kay,” she whispered.

”There's somebody opening the garden door,” she said under her breath, and sat bolt upright.

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