WHITEWASH
"I'll manage that, if you will trust me."
She pressed his hand gently. "Trust you, of course; but it's awfully improper."
"I know it's not conventional; that's why I called it a great favor. But I can't let you go yet, dear. You see I have no ambitions or hopes for myself, only for you. I am to live by the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table, only by such scraps of your time as you will throw to me. You need never fear that I shall importune you. But to-night—when I have just told you my secret, when you have been so kind and patient—I want this one evening with you to cherish and remember. Just to break bread with you alone, to clink glasses with you alone, sit opposite you, as if I had the right to sit there always—yes, just to hear you called 'madame' by the waiter," he laughed, sadly.
Philippa hesitated. "Are you sure we won't be seen?"
"Positive! Why, I would give my life sooner than have one word said against you, and I know as well as you what the world is. The world never believes in a pure and disinterested
