Part 74 (1/2)
She blushed and drew it gently away.
”Please--not that now--”
”Why--not now?”
He asked the question in tones so low they were almost a gasp. He felt his doom in the way she had withdrawn her hand.
”Because--” she hesitated just a moment to strike the blow she knew would hurt so pitifully and then went on firmly, ”I've met my fate, d.i.c.k--and pledged him my heart.”
The Captain lifted his shoulders with a little movement of soldierly pride, held himself firmly, mastered the first rush of despair and then spoke with a.s.sumed indifference:
”Socola?”
Jennie smiled faintly.
”Yes.”
He rose awkwardly and started to the door. Jennie placed her hand on his wounded arm with a gesture of pathetic protest.
”d.i.c.k!”
”I can't help it, I must go--”
”Not like this!”
”I can't smile and lie to you. It means too much. I hate that man. He's a scoundrel, if G.o.d ever made one--”
Jennie's hand slipped from his arm.
”That will do now--not another word--”
”I beg your pardon, Jennie,” he stammered. ”I didn't think what I was saying, honey. It just popped out because it was inside. You'll forgive me?”
The anger died in her eyes and she took his outstretched hand.
”Of course, I understand--and I'm sorry. I appreciate the love you've given me. I wish in my heart I could have returned it. You deserve it--”
The Captain lifted his left hand.
”No pity, please. I'm man enough to fight--and I'm going to fight.
You're not yet _Signora_ Socola--”
The girl laughed.
”That's more like a soldier!”
”We'll be friends anyhow, Jennie?”
”Always.”