Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/168

 "I did," was the firm answer.

"It seemed too good to be true, dear, yet I felt sure that you would need me in this crisis of your life."

"I do need you. I wonder if you will prove wanting when put to the test?"

"Try me!" he boldly challenged.

"You are sure that you love me with a love that will endure through good and evil, through life and death, through every test?"

She leaned close, her eyes searching Steve's soul.

The man drew a deep breath and his hand grasped hers with fierce passion.

"I love you beyond the power of words to tell—I worship you!" he cried, attempting instinctively to draw her into his arms.

"Yes I know," she answered, lifting her hand in warning, "you love me that way—I don't say it displeases me—I have a soul and I have a body too. There's something big, fierce, and strong in you, Steve, that always drew me—that draws me to you to-night—but I want to know if your love goes deeper than the body; if it's big enough, true enough to dare anything in this world or the next for the woman you love?"

"Yes!" he cried.

"You love me better than money?"