He knew now that always and ever she would have a place in his heart, which she had won there by her sweet disposition and her gentle, self-sacrificing ways, but—did he love her?
Then he thought of Inza, and he was carried away by the rush of feelings that came upon him, so that, in a twinkling, all thought of Elsie had been banished, and he was unable to compare this surging emotion with the gentle feeling of tenderness he had entertained toward the other girl.
This was love! Instantly in his heart was established the conviction, which, however, did not give him immediate satisfaction and relief.
Elsie had trusted him. Would he not be betraying her if he turned back to this girl who had been his first—and he now knew—his only true love?
Then, like a flash, came thoughts of some events that had happened on Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia, not many weeks before. He remembered how, when he was on the very verge of speaking out to Elsie herself, she had told him there was another who had a claim upon her. He thought of the encounter with Hodge that had followed and of their talk alone on the beach. At that time, having been led into a false conception of his regard toward Elsie, Frank openly told Bart he loved her and regarded Inza with a feeling of friendly affection. In return, Bart had unburdened his own heart, explaining how he had been led to reveal to Elsie his passion for her—a passion he had meant to suppress and hold in check. Thus they, the dearest of friends, stood revealed to each other as rivals for the same girl.
Rivals—yes! Enemies—no! For had they not spoken freely and then clasped hands, swearing that whatever happened they would remain true to each other!
Having thought about this, Frank fell to pondering on Elsie’s words and actions at the time and later. As he pondered, the conviction grew upon him that, beyond a doubt, she had discovered that she did not love him as intensely as she imagined. Possibly she had been carried away by the burning passion of Bart’s love for her.
But, ever faithful and true, having learned that Inza seemingly cared for Starbright, Elsie had resolved on a course of self-sacrifice which she fancied would be the only honorable course she could pursue. She would crush back any rising passion in her heart, she would not permit herself to care for Hodge, and she would not marry Frank. She would remain single!