I know I'm a fool to tell you now, Betty, but years wouldn't make
any difference in my feeling; and I can't have you go, and
perhaps never see you again, if I can help it. Betty--give me a
chance--you don't hate me--"
"But I do--yes, I do--indeed--"
"I know you don't. Let me see you again and do what I can to
make you care for me!" he implored. But he had a very indignant
little aristocrat to deal with. She was angry with him, and
angry with herself that in spite of herself his words moved her.
She wouldn't have it so! Why, he wasn't even of her class--her
kind! "Betty, you don't mean--" he faltered.
"I mean--I am extremely annoyed. I mean just what I say." Betty
regarded him with wrathful blue eyes. It proved too much for
Carrington. His arm, dropped about her shoulders.
"You shall love me--" She was powerless in his embrace. She
felt his breath on her cheek, then he kissed her. Breathless and
crimson, she struggled and pushed him from her. Suddenly his
arms fell at hisside; his face was white. "I was a brute to do
that!--Betty, forgive me! I am sorry--no, I can't be sorry!"'
"How do you dare! I hope I may never see you again--I hate you
--" said Betty furiously, tears in her eyes and her pulses still
throbbing from his fierce caress.
"Do you mean that?" he asked slowly, rising.
"Yes--yes--a million times, yes!"
"I don't believe you--I can't--I won't!" They were alongside the
New Madrid wharf now, and a certain young man who had been
impatiently watching The Naiad's lights ever since they became
visible crossed the gang-plank with a bound.
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