And one
day they were here"--he moved a pace or two to one side--"just as Austin
and I are now. And the girl over there--"
Viviette, with a gay laugh, took up her position on the spot to which he
pointed.
"Just in this identical place. I know the story--it's lovely!"
"An old Peninsula comrade of Wild Dick Ware's was here too--a man called
Hawkins--"
"Katherine shall be Hawkins," cried Viviette.
"And in his presence," Dick continued, "Wild Dick Ware told the girl
that he was mad for love of her, but that he would not force her choice;
yet one of those two, himself or Lord Estcombe, she must choose, for
good and all. She could not speak for shame or confusion. He said,
'Throw your handkerchief to whichever of us you love.' And they stood
side by side--like this"--he ranged himself by Austin's side--"opposite
the girl."
"And she threw the handkerchief!" cried Viviette.
"Throw yours!" said Dick. He looked at her with fierce intensity beneath
rugged brows; Austin with laughing challenge. She knew that she was the
object of each man's desire, and her sex's triumph thrilled through her
from head to foot.
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