Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/281

 "I hope she likes me."

"She has been praising you ever since your visit to Independence. I never saw her talk so long to a young man in my life before. You must have hypnotised her."

"I hope so."

A strange happiness filled her heart. She was afraid to look it in the face; and yet she dared to play with the thought.

"Are you enjoying your triumph to-night? I've had war inside."

"I feel like I am the Emperor of the World and that the Evening Star is smiling on my court!"

She smiled, tossed her head, leaned against the tree and said,

"I wonder if you are in the habit of saying things like that to girls?"

"Upon my soul and honour, no."

"Then thanks. I'll dream about that, maybe."

They returned to the hotel and McLeod claimed her. They went back the same walk, and by a freak of fate he chose the same seat she had just vacated with Gaston.

"Miss Sallie, you are of age now. You know that I have loved you passionately since you were a child. I have made my way in life, I am hungry for a home and your love to glorify it. Why will you keep me waiting?"

"Simply because I know now I do not love you, Allan, and I never will. Once and forever, here, to-night I give you my last answer, I will not be your wife."

"Then don't give the answer to-night. I can wait," he interrupted. "I am just on the threshold of a great career. Success is sure. I can offer you a dazzling position. Don't give me such an answer. Leave the old answer—to wait."

"No, I will not. I do not love you. If you were to