Part 24 (1/2)
I could feel her tremble, yet there was no shrinking in her face, no alarm.
”Oh, why were you compelled to say that! I tried so hard not to let you.
I--I cannot make the promise, it would not be right.”
”Not right!”
”No, you do not know me. I told you before I was a sham, a fraud, not what I appeared to be. I will not explain even to you, and you must not ask me. Only it hurts me to hear you say what you have, and be compelled to return this answer.”
”You care then--you do not disguise that?”
She threw her head back proudly, making no attempt to withdraw her hands.
”Yes, I care; any woman would. It is not true that I have served you merely because you were a soldier of the Colonies. I think it was true, perhaps, at first, but--but later it was different. Oh! why do I say this! Why do I delay your departure by consenting to remain here in conversation! Major Lawrence, cannot you realize that my only desire is to have you get away safely?”
”But that is not my only desire,” I protested. ”It must be weeks, months, before I can hope to see you again. I am a servant of the Colonies, and must go where I am sent; we are upon the verge of a campaign involving exposure and battle. I may not even come forth alive. Must I go without a word, without a hope? Claire, Claire, sweetheart, you have no right to turn me away, because of some phantom of imagination--”
”But it is not, it is terribly real.”
”I care not; I would still love you in spite of all; you may be a spy--a British spy--but the fact would mean nothing to me. I would trust you, Claire, your womanhood; I should know that whatever you did was in accordance with your conscience, and be content--if you but love me. And, thank G.o.d! I know you do.”
”I--I--no! You cannot mean that!”
”Ay, but I do. Have you supposed I could not read the message of those eyes? Oh, it may be dark, dear, but there is a star-gleam, and when the lashes lift--they confess a thousand times more than your lips acknowledge. Yet I insist on the lips! Now tell me,” and I held her to me, ”tell me!”
”What--oh, Major, please!”
”There are but three words to speak; whisper them, dear, and I go.”
”Three words!”
”Such easy words; they are trembling on your lips now--_I love you_.”
”But if I do not; if they are false. Hus.h.!.+ There is some one on the veranda--Seldon must have returned.”
”All the more reason why you should speak quickly,” I whispered, without releasing her.
”Will you go, then? At once?”
”I pledge my word.”
She drew a deep breath, her eyes shadowed, but I could hear the swift pulsing of her heart.
”It--it will mean nothing--nothing.”
”Of course; only a memory to dream over.”
Her lashes lifted, her head tilted back upon my shoulder. For a bare instant I gazed down into the depths.
”Then--then I will--_I love you_!”