I cried my eyes out the day he left home out in
Missouri and came East to college."
"And you're going to fight him?"
"It's possible."
"It's horrible!"
"And yet, men who are not savages could only do such things drawn by the
mightiest forces that move a human soul--you must know that, Miss
Betty."
"Yes."
"There's only one thing in life that's bigger----"
"And that?"
"Is love. I've held it too high and holy a word to speak lightly. I
shall tell but one woman that I love her----"
She looked at him tenderly:
"You glorious, foolish boy!"
Pale and trembling he took her hand, led her to a seat and sank on his
knees by her side.
"I love you, Betty!" he gasped. "I've loved you from the moment we met,
tenderly, madly, reverently. I've been afraid to touch your hand lately
lest you feel the pounding of my heart and know. And now it's come--this
hour when I must say I love you and good-bye in the same breath! Be
gentle and sweet to me. I'm afraid to ask if you love me. It's too good
to be true. I'm not worthy to even touch your little hand--and yet I'm
daring to hold it in mine----"
He paused and bowed his head, overcome with emotion.
Betty gently pressed his trembling fingers. Her voice was low.
"I'm proud of your love, Ned. It's very beautiful----"
"But you don't love me?" he groaned.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172