Page:The Tattooed Countess (1924).pdf/277

 course. That way there'll be no chance to bring us back, no chance of separation.

I'll tell him today. You'll promise to wait?

Ah! she remonstrated, sadly, doubts already? I love you, Gareth, and I could wait for you for ever. But you? Can I be so sure of you? She paused, and a tear stood in her eye. I am no longer young.

Ella, he exclaimed, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known!

You say that now.

Grasping her hands, he drew her to him and kissed her.

You swear to meet me, she whispered feebly.

I swear.

I believe you.

There is absolutely no one in my world but you.

I trust you, Gareth, my beloved. In a few days I will leave to wait for you at the Stratford in Chicago. Telegraph me from Clinton the hour you are arriving.

Won't I see you again before you go?

It's better not. I can tell you now that Lou is extremely upset because I have seen so much of you. She hasn't said a word; she doesn't dare, but others have not been so delicate. A sneer played about the lips of the Countess. It doesn't matter what any of them say: I really don't care, but they might do something that would spoil everything. We