I had not the heart even to think of business, much less to talk it.
We fell silent, both of us, listening to the singing. Poor Gussie!
She was not a pretty girl, and she did not interest me in the least.
Yet at this moment I was drawn to her. The brooding, plaintive
tones which resounded around us had a bewitching effect on me.
It filled me with yearning; it filled me with love. Gussie was a
woman to me now. My hand sought hers. It was an honest proffer
of endearment, for my soul was praying for communion with hers
She withdrew her hand. "This should not be done in a hurry,
either," she explained, pensively
"Gussie! Dear Gussie!" I said, sincerely, though not unaware of the
temporary nature of my feeling
"Don't!" she implored me
There was something in her plea which seemed to say: "You know
you don't care for me. It's my money that has brought you here.
Alas! It is not my lot to be loved for my own sake."
Her unspoken words broke my heart
"Gussie! I swear to you you're dear to me. Can't you believe me?"
The singing night was too much for her.
Pages:
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321