"Did you want me to stay?" asked Bob eagerly. "Nancy--did you really care?"
The girl did not speak, but turned her eyes toward the great heaving sea.
Robert's heart beat wildly as he looked at her. Never did he love her as he loved her now, never had she seemed so fair to him. It was no wonder he had fallen in love with her, for he knew that, in spite of her love of pleasure, and her sometimes flippant way of talking, she was one of the sweetest, truest girls that ever breathed. Although she might be wilful, and passionate, and sometimes seemed careless whether she gave pain or pleasure, she would give her last farthing to help any one in difficulty.
He had been surprised when she suggested his motoring her to Gurnard's Head that afternoon, little thinking that she did it to atone for what she had said two days before.
"Nancy, did you want me to stay?" he repeated. "If--if I thought you really----"
"Did it vex you that I asked Captain Trevanion to show me his new horse?" she interrupted.
The flush on her face and the tremor of her lips set his heart beating more wildly than ever. All caution went to the winds. The mad passion which for years he had been trying to crush again mastered him. He knew that his hour had come, and that he must speak and know his fate.
"Nancy," repeated Bob, "you know what is in my heart, don't you? Know I've loved you for years?"
"You've never told me so," and there was a suggestion of a laugh in Nancy's voice.
"Because I was afraid. How could I dare to--to tell you--when--when you never gave a sign, and when--you seemed to like others better? Others have wanted you, I know that; fellows--better looking than I, more--more attractive than I, and with far better prospects. I am not your sort of fellow--I know that; but--you've known all along that I loved you. I've been afraid to tell you so, but I would willingly shed my life's blood for you."
"Yes, I've known that; but then, how dared I speak when a fellow like Trevanion, heir to a title, and captain in a crack regiment, would give his life to get you? What chance had I?"
"Because I can't help myself. Because--Nancy, is there any chance? I know your father would be mad, but I wouldn't mind that a bit. Nancy, is there any hope for me?"