And then--I reached the limit
of my endurance, Kate, and I struck back. And the mockery of it all is
this--that though they have struck me repeatedly and I have endured it,
I--having struck back a single time--am barred from among them forever.
Let it be so!"
"Hush, Terry. I--I'm going to think of ways!"
"You couldn't. Last night--yes. Today I'm a man--and I'm free. And
freedom is the sweetest thing in the world. There's no place else for me
to go. This is my world. You're my queen. I've won my spurs; I'll use
them in your service, Kate."
"Stop, Terry!"
"By the Lord, I will, though! I'm happy--don't you see? And I'm going to
be happier. I'm going to work my way along until I can tell you--that I
love you, Kate--that you're the daintiest body of fire and beauty and
temper and gentleness and wisdom and fun that was ever crowned with the
name of a woman. And--"
But under the rapid fire of his words there was a touch of hardness--
mockery, perhaps. She drew back, and he stepped instantly aside. She went
by him through the door with bowed head. And Terry, closing it after her,
heard the first sob.
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