Page:The Bridge of San Luis Rey (Grossett & Dunlap).pdf/199

 “You are fifty years old and you are still dreaming of such islands, Uncle Pio.”

He bent his head and mumbled: “Of course I love you, Camila, as I always must and more than I can say. To have known you is enough for my whole life. You are a great lady now. And you are rich. There is no longer any way that I can help you. But I am always ready.”

“How absurd you are,” she said smiling. “You said that as boys say it. You don’t seem to learn as you grow older, Uncle Pio. There is no such thing as that kind of love and that kind of island. It’s in the theatre you find such things.”

He look shamefaced, but unconvinced.

At last she rose and said sadly: “What are we talking about! It is growing cold. I must be going in. You must be resigned. I have no heart for the theatre.” There was a pause. “And for the rest? Oh, I do not understand. It is just circumstance. I must be what I must. Do not try to under-