There's another fellow in your heart, and he's got a bigger place than I
have--at present. No, don't tremble, darling! It's all right. I know--I
know. He's the sort that women simply can't keep out. He's a fine chap
too, and I'm fond of him--always have been. But look here, mavourneen,
you're not going to break your precious little heart over him; you know
quite well it's no use, don't you? You know--well, anyhow to a certain
extent--you know what he is, don't you?"
He paused for an answer, but Toby quivered in his arms and was silent.
He put up a hand and pressed her head closer to his breast. "He'll never
marry," he said. "He doesn't mean to. He almost told me so the other day.
But--Toby--he takes a friendly interest in you and me. He'd like us
to have each other. Don't you think"--his voice had a hint of
humour--"don't you think we might fix it up just to please him?
P'raps--someday--we may find that we're pleased ourselves as well."
"Oh, my dear!" Toby whispered.
Her arm crept round his neck, but she did not lift her head. He clasped
her more closely and went on very softly. "I love you enough to think of
your happiness first, my darling. You're not happy now. I know that all
right.
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