Page:The Yellow Book - 13.djvu/61

Rh absolutely unique among women. I would never have believed it possible for any woman to make me feel what you have made me feel. I have never spoken like this to any woman in all my life. Oh, you may laugh. It is the truth, upon my word of honour. If you could look into your eyes, yes, even when you are laughing at me! I can see your wonderful burning spirit shining deep, deep in your eyes. You do not dream how different you are to other women. You are a wonderful burning poem. They are platitudes. Oh, I love you unutterably. There has not been an hour since I last saw you that I have not thought of you, loved you, longed for you. And now here you stand, you yourself, beside me! If you could see into my heart, if you could see what I feel!"

She looked at the moon, with a strange little smile, and was silent.

"Will you not speak to me?" he cried.

"What would you have me say?" she asked still looking away.

"Oh, you know, you know what I would have you say."

"I am afraid you will not like the only thing I can say." She turned, and met his eyes. "I am a married woman, and — I am in love with my husband."

Ferdinand Augustus stood aghast. "Oh, my God!" he groaned.

"Yes, though he has given me little enough reason to do so, I have fallen in love with him," she went on pitilessly. "So you must get over your fancy for me. After all, I am a total stranger to you. You do not even know my name."

"Will you tell me your name?" asked Ferdinand humbly. "It will be something to remember."

"My name is Marguerite." Rh