Page:Barbour--Peggy in the rain.djvu/167

 that come in the fall. I've dreamed of them for weeks, Peggy-in-the-Rain! And your cheeks and your mouth, dear, and—oh, girl, I love you, love you!" He reached a hand across the table to her, but she only shook her head, smiling a little tremulously. "I thought—we were to forget," she whispered.

"I can't forget! I want you so much, Peggy! Won't you care a little for me? Won't you let yourself care a little, dear? You could if you would, couldn't you? A little, dear?"

Her eyes avoided him as she shook her head gently. "You promised."

He sighed, withdrew his hand and leaned back in his chair. When, curiosity compelling, she looked up he was frowning at his cigarette.

"I'm sorry," she said penitently. "Have I hurt you?"

His face cleared. "You couldn't," he answered caressingly.

"Oh, yes, I could," she said wisely. "I wouldn't want to, but I could. Perhaps I shall."

"Yes, you could," he agreed. "You could