Page:Restless Earth.djvu/47

Patricia squeezed hlS fingers lightly and smiled defiantly.

“There is very little of me left that it has not already torn, my dear,” she smiled. “I am hardened against its teeth. Of course, it may affect the business———”

“I’m not worrying about the business, sweetheart. It’s you. You’ll not be in the business very long now———”

She rose to her feet as though his words were a sharp reminder of present neglect.

Harley did not release her hands. He twisted himself to his knees and remained thus, looking up into her face with an adoration which approached idolatry.

“Pat,” he breathed, “I have never loved anyone like this. I've been terribly ignorant of the meaning of the word———”

She smiled down upon him compassionately.

“Poor old Jimmy,” she said unsteadily. “The gods have dealt you a poor hand, I’m afraid.”

“I’m holding the Queen of Hearts,” he smiled in return, “and with that I can play the other cards to win.”

“Oh! Who dares accuse me of lack of originality ?” she cried teasingly.

“Why? Has any other man dared to call you that?”

“Hundreds!”

He groaned in mock dismay, kissed her fingers lightly and released them.

“This evening?”” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“I’ll ring you about seven o’clock, if necessary.”

“Why ‘if necessary’?”

“I may see you before then. My work may take me in your direction———”

“Here? On the beach?”