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And here was Courtenay speaking again, speaking in the slow and

definite way of adoubt as to his

"I want you to listen to me, Elsie," he said, with a passionate

intensity that stilled the rising storm in her bosom "Doctor

Christobal may have pleaded his own cause already It is not forthat But I cannot lose you without a word

Whether you marry him or me, or neither of us, I shall love you for

ever I want you to know that It is no new discovery to me I think

h the

gale, and since that hour you and I have had experiences denied to most

men and women ere they reach the conclusion that they are fit e of life Do you feel that, sweetheart? Have we known each

other ten days, or ten years?"

His face was very near to hers now His arm had encroached so far that

it was around her neck It was quite dark where they stood in the

shadow of the bridge He could not see the tears in her eyes, but he

heard her broken answer: "Are you--quite--fair--in using such words to me?"