Page:Biggers and Ritchie - Inside the Lines.djvu/282

 soon. I may not have another opportunity—hear me! I am terribly in earnest when I tell you I love you—love you beyond all believing. No, no! Not for what you have done for me, but for what you are to me—beloved."

She quickly pulled her hand free from his grasp and tried to move to the door. He blocked her way.

"I can not have you go without a word from you," he pleaded. "Just a word to tell me I may"

"How can you expect—that—I—knowing what I do" She was stumbling blindly, but persisted: "You, who have deceived others, are deceiving them now—how can I know you are not deceiving me, too?"

"I can not explain." He dropped his head hopelessly, and his voice seemed lifeless. "It is a time of war. You must accept my word that I am honest—with you."

She slowly shook her head and started again for the double doors. "Perhaps—when you prove that to me." He took an eager step toward her. "But, no, you can not. I will be sailing so soon, and—and you must forget."

"You ask the impossible!" Woodhouse