Page:Stanwood Pier--The ancient grudge.djvu/461

450 For a moment he was unaware of the consternation which with this speech had fallen on the girl; then, to his amazement, she exclaimed in a low, frightened voice,—

"Oh, Floyd! I—I told!"

"This?" He turned towards her. "You told—this?"

"Yes. Oh, Floyd!—" her words came in quick, fluttering breaths; she seemed on the brink of tears. "I told Lydia—to-day—this afternoon. I never thought—I wanted her to show Stewart how you're doing everything to prevent trouble; she was telling me what Stewart believes, and I wanted her. to be able to show him—I told her about this. Oh, Floyd!—let's turn round and go back—let me go home and telephone to Lydia—not to say anything about it;—tell him to turn round, Floyd; she has n't said anything yet, I'm sure; quick, Floyd, quick!"

While she was pouring out her distressed confession in the voice that he hardly knew as hers, so frightened, so appealing, he looked at her curiously; elation was mounting in his heart. He looked at her, but he could see little of her face in the darkness, nothing of its expression—and he wished with a sudden passionate longing that at this very moment he could see as well as hear! She made him aware that, all unconsciously in her humility and her beseeching, she had crept closer to him; and a tenderness for her that he had never before felt thrilled him and choked his throat. He put his arm round her and drew her closer still.

"Never mind, dear; never mind," he murmured, in an unsteady voice. Though his voice was low, within him his soul was stirred and shouting in joy because she had confessed herself recreant to a trust. What though Stewart, what though all the world knew his plans! this moment he knew that he loved the girl in his arms.

"Floyd, you're—you're too gentle with me!" She broke for an instant into a pathetic little sob of relief and