And she wanted to tell me the little story of you two--she wanted
to forestall gossip that might hurt you in my eyes. And she gave you to
me. Harlan, I have heard of that kind of love--but I didn't believe it
existed. Did you?"
Tears were on his cheeks.
"I know her!" he choked.
She understood his answer. She waited a little while.
"And I love her above all the honors and treasures of this world!"
She stood up.
"I'm going to find her," he went on. "You understand me, don't you,
Madeleine?"
"I understand. But you shall not go to find her"--she smiled into his
startled eyes--"for she is hidden in my room, waiting to tell me
more--waiting until I tell her something that will take the burden from
her heart. I had been listening to her when my father came in with his
story; I had not made my confession. It would have comforted her--it
will comfort her, for I can tell her truthfully I have not yet met the
man I can love, Harlan--you were not the one!" She left with him the
consolation of a smile and hastened away.
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