She was speaking in gasps now; her tears were unrestrained. Her hand clutched his so fiercely that he could scarcely bear the pain. He did not dare to look at her.
"I've always been square with you, Frank, haven't I?"
"We've kept to the compact, haven't we? The compact we made at Alma? You trust me, don't you?"
"Of course! You're all right--you're true blue. I couldn't distrust you. You'll always be the Maid of Alma. It was a game thing you did for me. Nobody else would have done it. You have helped me, but I can't tell you what a corner I'm in." He paused and looked at her intensely. "Fancy--you haven't forgotten--have you?"
She forced a trembling smile, as she said bravely:
She shook out a laugh and stroked his hand, looking up at him through her tears. "Oh, no danger of that, Frank. You don't know me. I'm all right, sure! Only--and I owe you so much! You've taught me everything. If I could only do something to prove that I'm worth it."
"You can--that's the trouble. I believe I'm almost cur enough to ask it of you."
"What is it? Tell me, quick! You know I'd black your boots for you. I'd do anything."
"Did you notice Miss Payson's face when she saw you?"
"I'd hate to have her suspect--if she thought--"
"Oh!" She sprang to her feet and stood as proud as a lioness. "Is that it? You want me to go for good?" Even now there was no anger in her look or tone. The little silver watch heaved up and down on her breast.
He sought for a kind phrase. "I'm afraid it would be better--it makes me feel like a beast--of course, you understand--" his eyes went to her, pleading.
"Then it _is_ Miss Payson? Oh, Frank, why didn't you tell me! You might have trusted me! You ought to have known better! Haven't I always said that when the woman who could make you happy did come, how glad I'd be for you?"
"You're really not hurt, then? I was afraid--"
"Poor old Frank! You goose! Of course not--it makes me sorry to think of leaving you, that's all. Never mind--there's nothing in the race but the finish! I'm all right." She had become a little hysterical in her actions, but he was too distracted to notice it.
"I'll let you have all the money you want--I'll get you a good place----" he began.
She shook her head decidedly. "Cut that out, please, Frank; but thanks, all the same. If I ever want any money, I'll come to you. Why shouldn't I? But not now. Don't pay me to go away--that sounds rotten. I'll get a position all right. Didn't I turn down that secretary's place only last week? But I guess I'll travel on my looks for a while. I'm flush."