Page:The Prisoner of Zenda.djvu/173

Rh "Well, it is hunting. I go to seek Michael in his lair."

She had turned very pale.

"So you see, sweet, I was not so poor a lover as you thought me. I shall not be long gone."

"You will write to me, Rudolf?"

I was weak, but I could not say a word to stir suspicion in her.

"I'll send you all my heart every day," said I.

"And you'll run no danger?"

"None that I need not."

"And when will you be back? Ah, how long it will be!"

"When shall I be back?" I repeated.

"Yes, yes! Don't be long, dear, don't be long, I shan't sleep while you're away."

"I don't know when I shall be back," said I.

"Soon, Rudolf, soon?"

"God knows, my darling. But if never——"

"Hush, hush!" and she pressed her lips to mine.

"If never," I whispered, "you must take my