Page:Beyond the Horizon (1920).djvu/122

106

gotten all about—that—before I’d been at sea six months.

—[Turns and looks into eyes searchingly.] You’re speaking of—Ruth?

—[Confused.] Yes. I didn’t want you to get false notions in your head, or I wouldn’t say anything. [Looking squarely in the eyes.] I’m telling you the truth when I say I’d forgotten long ago. It don’t sound well for me, getting over things so easy, but I guess it never really amounted to more than a kid idea I was letting rule me. I’m certain now I never was in love—I was getting fun out of thinking I was—and being a hero to myself. [He heaves a great sigh of relief.] There! Gosh, I’m glad that’s off my chest. I’ve been feeling sort of awkward ever since I’ve been home, thinking of what you two might think. [A trace of appeal in his voice.] You’ve got it all straight now, haven’t you, Rob?

—[In a low voice.] Yes, Andy.

—And I’ll tell Ruth, too, if I can get up the nerve. She must feel kind of funny having me round—after what used to be—and not knowing how I feel about it.

—[Slowly.] Perhaps—for her sake—you’d better not tell her.

—For her sake? Oh, you mean she wouldn’t want to be reminded of my foolishness? Still, I think it’d be worse if

—[Breaking out—in an agonized voice.]