Part 25 (1/2)
She was pleased and showed it.
”Have you forgotten our last conversation?” he asked. ”It was perilously near the danger zone.”
”Why call it a danger zone?” she asked.
”Eve, you don't mean it?” he asked.
”Mean what?”
”Oh, you know. By Jove, I'll risk it, although I can't imagine such good fortune falling to my lot.”
”What are you going to risk?” she asked, strangely agitated.
”Asking you to be my wife--there it's out--must I go?” he said.
”Do you wish to go?” she asked archly.
”No; there.”
He almost lifted her off her feet as he took her to him and kissed her many times. She clung to him, her arms round his neck, her head resting on his breast; she seemed loath to let him go.
”Alan, oh Alan, it seems too good to be true! I thought you were never going to ask me. I am afraid I have schemed for this. Forgive me, I could not live without you,” she said, and again he stopped her mouth with kisses.
”I have always loved you, Eve. When you were a girl you were different from anybody else, the only girl for me. You have not answered my question?” he said.
”I will be your wife, Alan; it has been the dearest wish of my life. I am almost afraid to say how much I love you,” she said softly.
”Never be afraid of that; tell me, I want to carry it away with me.”
She told him, and his body flamed in response, his heart beat fast. It was the most thrilling moment of his life; she buried her blus.h.i.+ng face on his shoulder and panted for very joy.
Alan recognized the depth of her love and wondered at it. She was his, part of him. He felt it, henceforth they would be one. When he was away she would be with him in the spirit. He was loath to part from her, but it had to be. Duty called and that came first. He waited a few minutes until they were calmer.
”Marry me before I leave,” he said impetuously.
”There is no time,” was the faint reply. ”You go to-morrow.”
”I forgot; no, there is no time. It is not fair to ask you. Promise me if I come home for a day or two you will consent?”
”Readily, Alan. I am yours when you wish to take me,” she answered.
”Supposing we do not leave to-morrow, supposing it is a few more days, that there is time?” he said, his eyes very bright and eager.
”If there is time----” she hesitated.
”You will?”
”Yes.”
This was too much for him; he was overwhelmed at his happiness. He clasped her in his arms again and crushed her until it pained, but it was exquisite pain, she felt safe with those strong arms about her.