第119章 CHAPTER XXV(5)

"You are my only comfort,"she said."I tried to send you away.I thought I didn't want you.I thought Icouldn't bear the sight of you,because of what you have seen me suffer.But I went to the root of this thing last night,Hart,and with self in mind,as usual,I found that I could not live without you."Henderson began breathing lightly.He was afraid to speak or move.

"I faced the fact that all this is my own fault,"continued Edith,"and came through my own selfishness.

Then I went farther back and realized that I am as Iwas reared.I don't want to blame my parents,but Iwas carefully trained into what I am.If Elnora Comstock had been like me,Phil would have come back to me.I can see how selfish I seem to him,and how I appear to you,if you would admit it.""Edith,"said Henderson desperately,"there is no use to try to deceive you.You have known from the first that I found you wrong in this.But it's the first time in your life I ever thought you wrong about anything--and it's the only time I ever shall.Understand,I think you the bravest,most beautiful woman on earth,the one most worth loving.""I'm not to be considered in the same class with her.""I don't grant that,but if I did,you,must remember how I compare with Phil.He's my superior at every point.

There's no use in discussing that.You wanted to see me,Edith.

What did you want?"

"I wanted you to not go away."

"Not at all?"

"Not at all!Not ever!Not unless you take me with you,Hart."She slightly extended one hand to him.Henderson took that hand,kissing it again and again.

"Anything you want,Edith,"he said brokenly."Just as you wish it.Do you want me to stay here,and go on as we have been?""Yes,only with a difference."

"Can you tell me,Edith?"

"First,I want you to know that you are the dearest thing on earth to me,right now.I would give up everything else,before I would you.I can't honestly say that I love you with the love you deserve.My heart is too sore.It's too soon to know.But I love you some way.

You are necessary to me.You are my comfort,my shield.

If you want me,as you know me to be,Hart,you may consider me yours.I give you my word of honour I will try to be as you would have me,just as soon as I can."Henderson kissed her hand passionately."Don't,Edith,"he begged."Don't say those things.I can't bear it.

I understand.Everything will come right in time.

Love like mine must bring a reward.You will love me some day.I can wait.I am the most patient fellow.""But I must say it,"cried Edith."I--I think,Hart,that I have been on the wrong road to find happiness.

I planned to finish life as I started it with Phil;and you see how glad he was to change.He wanted the other sort of girl far more than he ever wanted me.And you,Hart,honest,now--I'll know if you don't tell me the truth!

Would you rather have a wife as I planned to live life with Phil,or would you rather have her as Elnora Comstock intends to live with him?""Edith!"cried the man,"Edith!"

"Of course,you can't say it in plain English,"said the girl.

"You are far too chivalrous for that.You needn't say anything.I am answered.If you could have your choice you wouldn't have a society wife,either.In your heart you'd like the smaller home of comfort,the furtherance of your ambitions,the palatable meals regularly served,and little children around you.I am sick of all we have grown up to,Hart.When your hour of trouble comes,there is no comfort for you.I am tired to death.

You find out what you want to do,and be,that is a man's work in the world,and I will plan our home,with no thought save your comfort.I'll be the other kind of a girl,as fast as I can learn.I can't correct all my faults in one day,but I'll change as rapidly as I can.""God knows,I will be different,too,Edith.You shall not be the only generous one.I will make all the rest of life worthy of you.I will change,too!""Don't you dare!"said Edith Carr,taking his head between her hands and holding it against her knees,while the tears slid down her cheeks."Don't you dare change,you big-hearted,splendid lover!I am little and selfish.

You are the very finest,just as you are!"Henderson was not talking then,so they sat through a long silence.At last he heard Edith draw a quick breath,and lifting his head he looked where she pointed.

Up a fern stalk climbed a curious looking object.