Page:Lefty o' the Bush.djvu/240

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  • ton, but he certainly can assume a plausible manner

which might fool almost anybody. Henry Cope knew, all along, that he was not what he represented himself to be, but, on account of Riley's claim, and to protect Hazelton, he would not tell the truth. It is useless for him to hold back any longer. I hope you do not blame me, Janet; I'm sure you won't when you have time to think it all over calmly. I care for you more—much more—than I have ever let you know, and for that reason I—"

"Please don't say anything more to me now," she entreated, her voice low but steady. "You were right."

Half turning away, she put out her hand; he seized it quickly, and found it cold.

"I'll not say anything more now," he breathed, close to her shoulder, holding the hand fast in his grasp; "but some time, Janet—some time when you are ready to listen—I'll have something more to say."

On the street he swung off with a free, vigorous stride, his heart beating high. He had won; he was sure of it. The knowledge of her interest in the man, which he had feared might develop into something deeper, had led him to realize the full extent of his own regard for her. She was a poor