"I know what O'Dowd would say if he were in my place."
"O'Dowd has known me a great many years," she said. "When you have
known me as many months as he has years, you will thank your lucky
star that you do not possess the affability that the gods have
bestowed upon O'Dowd."
"Don't be too sure of that," he said, and heard the little catch in
her breath. He found her hand and clasped it firmly. His lips were
close to her ear. "I have known you long enough to--"
"Don't!" she cried out sharply. "Don't say it now,--please. I could
listen to O'Dowd, but--but you are different. He would forget by to-
morrow, and I would forget even sooner than he. But it would not be so
easy to forget if you were to say it,--it would not be easy for either
of us."
"You are not offended?" he whispered hoarsely.
"Why should I be offended? Are you not my protector?"
The subtle implication in those words brought him to his senses. Was
he not her protector? And was he not abusing the confidence she placed
in him?
"I shall try to remember that,--always," he said abjectly.
"Some day I shall tell you why I am glad you did not say it to me to-
night," she said, a trifle unsteadily. She squeezed his hand.
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