Page:More lives than one.djvu/199



“Do you care? Pearl Jane, would you care if you never saw me again?”

“Yes—I’d care! But you wouldn’t!”

“Oh, wouldn’t I! Well—but, dear, the whole thing is such a mess. I wish I could see you”

“Well, why can’t you? Oh, Tommy, tell me something! Are you bald?”

“Bald! Lord, no! What do you mean?”

“Don’t you wear a wig?”

“I do not! Oh, you dear little girl, the sound of your voice makes me long to see you—I never knew before how much I cared”

“You didn’t care—the night of—of the masquerade.”

“I did—oh, Pearl Jane, I did—but—I didn’t know it.”

“And I don’t know it now. I think you’re cruel to tantalize me like this—and I’m going to hang up.”

“No, don’t—oh, wait a minute. What shall I do? Look here, Pearl Jane, I don’t know when I can telephone again. Perhaps I can manage it all right—but if these detectives take to watching your wire”

“Good-by, Tommy.”

“Same little saucy thing—aren’t you. Pearl Jane—listen—dear. If I tell you I love you—can you trust me for all else?”

“Yes! yes!” joyfully.

“You won’t lose faith in me—whatever happens?”

“No—no I won’t.”

“Then just trust me—dear. I can’t explain now—it may be a long time—are you sure you can trust me if you don’t hear anything”

“Forever—if need be.”

“You darling! Now about the scarab business. Will you do as I advise you?”