flected in the warmer tones of his replies; a new
pain ordered his comments. The situation, too,
appealed to him; his instinct responded to the obvious
implications of the position in the exact degree
of his habit of mind. The familiar, professional
gallantry took possession of him, directing
the sensuality to which he abandoned himself.

He moved from the chair to the step by her side.
Nearer she was more appealing still; a lovely
shadow dwelt at the base of her throat; the simple
dress took the soft curves of her girlish body, stirred
with her breathing. Her hands lay loosely in her
lap, and the impulse seized him to take them up, but
he repressed it... for the moment.

"I saw Buckley Simmons, yesterday," she informed
him, "his face is nearly well. He wanted
to come out here, but I wouldn't let him. He wants
to marry me," she continued serenely; "I told him
I didn't think I'd every marry."

"But you will -- some lucky, young man."

"I don't think I like young men, that is," she
qualified carefully, "not very young. I like men
who are able to act ever so quickly, no matter what
occurs, and they must be terribly brave. I like
them best if they have been unfortunate; something
in me wants to make up to them for -- for any loss,"
she paused, gazing at him with an elevated chin,
serious lips, intent eyes.

[[119]]

p118 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p119w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p120

v?