Waitstill, for her part, was almost dumb with joy to be lying so
close to his heart that she could hear it beating; to feel the
passionate tenderness of his embrace and his kiss falling upon
her hair.
"I did not know a girl could be so happy!" she whispered. "I've
dreamed of it, but it was nothing like this. I am all a-tremble
with it."
Ivory held her off at arm's length for a moment, reluctantly,
grudgingly. "You took me fairly off my feet, dearest," he said,
"and forgot everything but the one supreme fact you were telling
me. Had I been on guard I should have told you that I am no
worthy husband for you, Waitstill. I haven't enough to offer such
a girl as you."
"You're too late, Ivory! You showed me your heart first, and now
you are searching your mind for bugbears to frighten me."
"I am a poor man."
"No girl could be poorer than I am."
"After what you've endured, you ought to have rest and comfort."
"I shall have both--in you!" This with eyes, all wet, lifted to
Ivory's.
"My mother is a great burden--a very dear and precious, but a
grievous one."
"She needs a daughter. It is in such things that I shall be your
helpmate."
"Will not the boy trouble you and add to your cares?"
"Rod? I love him; he shall be my little brother.
Pages:
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303