I was so young at the time, and--and----"
"Don't tell me," he said gently.
"But--but--if I never marry again?" she persisted.
"Then--unless, of course, you dismiss me--I shall be with you for all
time," he said.
She made a slight, involuntary movement, and he took his hand away.
"Will you think it over before you decide?" he said. "I will come to
you, as soon as I am presentable, for your answer. For the present,
would you not be wise to go back to your friends? I am too disreputable
to escort you, but I will watch you to the palace steps."
He got to his feet as he spoke. He was still absently mopping his face
with the scrap of lace he had taken from her.
Beryl stood up also. She wanted to be gracious to him, but she was
unaccountably shy. No words would come.
He waited courteously.
At last:
"Lord Ronald," she said with difficulty, "I know you are in earnest. But
do you--do you really wish to be taken at your word?"
He raised his eyebrows as if the question slightly surprised him.
"Certainly," he said.
Still she stood hesitating.
"I wish you would tell me why," she said, almost under her breath.
"Why?" he repeated uncomprehendingly.
"Yes, why you wish to safeguard me in this fashion," she explained, in
evident embarrassment.
"Oh, that!" he said slowly. "I suppose it is because I happen to care
for your safety."
"Yes?" she murmured, still pausing.
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