The Nest Builder by Beatrice Forbes-Robertson Hale
page 40 of 379 (10%)
page 40 of 379 (10%)
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For some time she remained where he had left her, motionless. She felt
very tired, without knowing why. Presently she went to her cabin and lay down. Mary did not see Stefan again until after the midday meal, though by the time she appeared on deck he had been waiting and searching for her for an hour. When he found her it was in an alcove of the lounge, screened from the observation of the greater part of the room. She was reading, but as he came toward her she looked up and closed her book. Before he spoke both knew that their relation to each other had subtly changed. They were self-conscious; the hearts of both beat. In a word, their quarrel had taught them their need of each other. He took her hand and spoke rather breathlessly. "I've been looking for you for hours. Thank God you're here. I was abominable to you this morning. Can you possibly forgive me? I'm so horribly lonely without you." He was extraordinarily handsome as he stood before her, looking distressed, but with his eyes shining. "Of course I can," she murmured, while a weight seemed to roll off her heart--and she blushed, a wonderful pink, up to the eyes. He sat beside her, still holding her hand. "I must say it. You are the most beautiful thing in the world. The--most--beautiful!" They looked at each other. "Oh!" he exclaimed with a long breath, jumping up again and half pulling her after him in a revulsion of relief, "come on deck and let's walk--and talk--or," he laughed excitedly, "I don't know what I shall do next!" |
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