We'll go on the same as
before. You are better off and safer on Berande, in spite of the fact
that I love you, than anywhere else in the Solomons. But I want you, as
a final item of man-talk, to remember, from time to time, that I love
you, and that it will be the dearest day of my life when you consent to
marry me. I want you to think of it sometimes. You can't help but think
of it sometimes. And now we won't talk about it any more. As between
men, there's my hand."
He held out his hand. She hesitated, then gripped it heartily, and
smiled through her tears.
"I wish--" she faltered, "I wish, instead of that black Mary, you'd given
me somebody to swear for me."
And with this enigmatic utterance she turned away.
CHAPTER XXI--CONTRABAND
Sheldon did not mention the subject again, nor did his conduct change
from what it had always been. There was nothing of the pining lover, nor
of the lover at all, in his demeanour. Nor was there any awkwardness
between them. They were as frank and friendly in their relations as
ever. He had wondered if his belligerent love declaration might have
aroused some womanly self-consciousness in Joan, but he looked in vain
for any sign of it. She appeared as unchanged as he; and while he knew
that he hid his real feelings, he was firm in his belief that she hid
nothing.
Pages:
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232