I am thinner, too. Of course, I
shall be all right presently, but it's rather against me at these
west-end places."
Again he felt that pain at his heart. He was sure now that he
was beginning to understand!
"Beatrice," he whispered, "give it up--marry me I will take care
of him."
The flush of color faded from her cheeks. She shivered a little
and looked at him piteously.
"Leonard," she pleaded, "you mustn't. I really am not very
strong just now. We have finished with all that--it distresses
me."
"But I mean it," he begged. "Somehow, I have felt all sorts of
things since we came in here. I think of that night, and I
believe--I do believe that what came to me before was madness.
It was not the same."
She was trembling now.
"Leonard," she implored, "if you care for me at all, be quiet.
Father will turn round directly and I can't bear it. I shall be
your very faithful friend; I shall think of you through the long
days before we meet again, but don't--don't spoil this last
evening."
The professor turned round, his face mottled, his eyes moist, a
great good-humor apparent in his tone.
"Well, I must say," he declared, "that this has been a most
delightful evening. I feel immensely better, and you, too, I
hope, Beatrice?"
She nodded, smiling.
"I trust that when Mr. Tavernake returns," the professor
continued, "he will give us the opportunity of entertaining him
in much the same manner. It will give me very much pleasure,
also Beatrice.
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