Page:Neith Boyce--The bond.djvu/342

340 "But there are always other women. Man isn't a monogamous animal. How little they count, though, when there's the one! Don't you know that, you foolish, adorable child?"

"They count to the one," said Teresa, moodily.

"Surely it's what they count for to the man that matters." "Well, how is one to know how much they count for? Of course, he always says it's nothing."

"And very likely he tells the truth. But you never will understand. … So you have quarrelled with him?"

"Yes, I have quarrelled."

"Foolish creature! Why should you care? You must always be the main one., No man could ever get tired of you."

"I don't care about being the favourite in a harem. I wish I were like him."

"You are foolish. … But you'll work out of it all right. I wish—look here, Teresa, do you know what made me half -wild to-day? For I was. … I've had despatches—there's trouble threatening out there, and I shall have to go back, any moment. I wish I could take you with me. Not exactly where the Turks may come down on us any minute—but I'd like to carry you off where he'd never find you. Why do you happen to be in love with him? I'd bolt the Turks, and we'd be off to the South Seas somewhere." Cray-