human
Forgive me, F--Fox, she said,
gpt
I didn't mean to do it, but I'm t--tired out and--and I can't find my handkerchief. She laughed a little hysterically.
human
Have you got one to l--lend me, Fox? I c--can't lift my head be--because I'm crying and I've cried all over your table and into your chair--
gpt
Drat the table! What do you suppose I care about it, Sally?
human
You--you ought to. I--it's a very pretty table.
gpt
I value it only because it holds your tears. Fox was unfolding a handkerchief. It was a very large handkerchief. He put it into her seeking hand.
human
I remember another occasion when you had to borrow a handkerchief, he said.
gpt
Do you remember it, Sally?
human
Mercy! I--I didn't want a sheet, Fox,
gpt
I didn't know. You might. His voice was not steady as he went on.
human
Sally, he whispered,
gpt
I--I want you. I want you!
human
Well, she cried,
gpt
Have I, Sally dear? he asked, still in that low whisper.
human
Have I?
gpt
Oh, don't! she cried hastily.
human
Don't, Fox. You haven't got me--yet, she added in a whisper which was barely audible. But Fox heard it.
gpt
It--it isn't because--because you are sorry for me?
human
No, Fox was smiling again; but, as Sally had her eyes hidden, of course she did not see it.
gpt
I am sorry for you as I can be, but that isn't the reason. Guess again.
human
Are you _sure_, Fox? _Very_ sure? she asked.
gpt
Say that you are, Fox, she whispered.
human
Can't you please say that you are?
gpt
I am sure.
human
And it isn't be--because m--my father, the small voice asked again,
gpt
No. That isn't the reason either. I'm quite sure, Sally.
human
But, Fox, she protested,
gpt
I ought, he replied indignantly.
human
I ought to have done it long ago. Why not?
gpt
M--my father, she returned, not at all dismally,
human
I don't care what he is, Sally, he said softly.
gpt
I don't care about anything--but this.
human
And my brother is a gambler, she went on, in a disgracefully happy voice, considering what she was saying,--
gpt
Only the greater reason, he said, more softly yet.
human
I want you, Sally.
gpt
Do you? After that?
human
You may believe it--dearest.
gpt
Oh, I believe it. I want to believe it. I have wanted to for more than two years--ever--since the night of the fire. She lifted her head, the tears shining in her eyes; something else shining there.
human
Then I don't care for--for Margaret--or--or anybody else; or any--any--thing --her voice sank to a whisper once more--