“What a beautiful thought!” he echoed. And then: “Down in Macon, for instance, did you recognize me?” “I am inclined to think I did,” she answered with a faint smile. “Nevertheless, I took you at your word, and asked about you.” “In Macon?” “No, silly.” “What did you learn?” “Oh, you are a talented young draughtsman, and ambitious. Also, you are a dreamer, an impetuous dreamer. You certainly are that. If I were an adventuress as well as—penniless, I might marry you and take chances on your success. I could always quit, you know. But I am not an adventuress and marriage is impossible for us.” “Why impossible?” The sun was gone. “There is a fact—I can’t tell you now. And you were to ask me no questions. But the fact is, now, insurmountable.” “Tell me that fact.” “I cannot. But, on my honor, if I did you would not want to marry me. You would leave me on the street and never return.” Her face, now grave and earnest, was lifted fearlessly and her eyes met his in sincerity. His dumb distress touched her. Her color deepened a little—the passing of a thought. The light of battle flashed in his brown eyes. “Here is the limit you set—Madison Square. Here is my answer: The only fact I recognize is, you have stepped into my life; you are my woman. Beautiful, come with me to the City Hall for a license, and then to the minister. Yonder is a taxi. I love you—I’d just as lieve marry you out of the street as out of a palace!” He drew a thin circlet of gold from his finger. “Here is my mother’s wedding ring, almost her sole legacy to me. It goes with my faith that you are the kind of woman she was!” Mist was in the eyes, turned suddenly away, and then back to him. Her face glowed with an almost unearthly light and beauty. She reached out, took the ring, kissed it and handed it back. “With reverence,” she said tenderly, “but I cannot wear it. There is a reason why I can not. It’s not for me now. You’ll know some day.” Mystified, he stood silently watching her face. And then: “You’ll see me again soon, won’t you?”
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