"I didn't know--so you are alive--you disappeared so suddenly that night--" "Yes, I'm alive," he said, and then with a smile.

"But I fear before you get through with me we'll both wish I were not, Betty." "Don't call me Betty." "Who was that man who met you at New Madrid?
He can't have you, whoever he is!" His eyes dwelt on her tenderly, and the remembered spell of her fresh youthful beauty deepened itself for him.
"Perhaps he doesn't want me--" "Yes, he does.

That was plain as day." Betty surveyed him from under her lashes.

What could she do with this man?
Nothing affected him.

He seemed to have crossed some intangible barrier and to stand closer to her than any other man had ever stood.
"Do you still hate me, Betty--Miss Malroy--is there anything I can say or do that will make you forgive me ?" He looked at her penitently.
But Betty hardened her heart against him and prepared to keep him in place.