Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/332

Rh with it and at last have his go with Mr. Manling. It has almost broken his heart that he hasn't had a chance with the pool against me—Manling, I mean, of course, Manling," he corrected quickly. "There I have gone, you see," he smiled. "When the whole shipboard impresses it upon me momentarily that I am Manling, really it is impossible for me not to fall in with them now and then."

"The whole shipboard," the girl rebuked.

"Did I say that?" Preston returned hotly. "I meant only—only all the others. Only all the others!" he repeated. "You—" he checked himself quickly. "I know I mustn't try to tell you how I—I feel about the wonderful—the incredible way you have accepted me through all this queer business. I know I can't tell you that now. But I tell you, when this awful crossing is over, and I have had a chance to set myself right before every one and with you, I am going to you then and tell you—well, a good many things!" he threatened wildly.

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