Page:Ruth of the U.S.A. (IA ruthofusa00balm).pdf/259

 that I might have done some bit to prevent it and—I was afraid? What can you think of me? Do you think I could have done all that I've told you I have just for the sake of working here in Paris? Do you think I could see death come to so many and care how it comes to me?"

"It's not just death," Gerry said, quivering as he gazed down at her. "If I could be sure they'd just kill you, it might be easier to leave your affairs to you. Who owns the right to refuse another his way to die? But you're a girl. At first when they may think you one of themselves, you may be safe; but then they'll discover you. A man—or what passes in Germany for a man—probably will find you out. He"

Gerry could say no more; for a moment his resistance to himself broke and his hands seized her. "They shan't!" he denied to her fiercely. "They shan't!"

Gently she raised a hand and, as she had upon that occasion before, she loosened the grasp of his fingers.

"You're not to think about what could happen to me; you must think only of what I may do, Gerry," she said.

He released her, as he had before; but this time he caught the fingers which opposed his; he bent quickly and, carrying her hand to his lips, he kissed it.

He drew back from her then; and she closed her other hand over the fingers which he had kissed and, so holding, she stood gazing up at him under lashes wet with tears.

"I'm going now," he said abruptly. "What I'll have to do about you—I don't know. I suppose you realize that since you've applied for permission for Switzerland, and since I've been questioned about you, probably you are under special observation. So whatever you think I