"Yes, that is the wonderful part of it: I didn't know whether I would
win when I went there. Garman was so terribly strong. He dominated
me, and seemed to control my thoughts and feelings. But--do you
remember what you said in the path there the other day--when I asked
you to go away--when Garman spied on us?"
"What was it?" he asked.
"Oh! Don't you remember?"
"Let me see--I called Garman a cad."
"Oh, no, no, no! You remember you said--you said----"
He looked in her eyes and understood.
"I said I loved you."
"Yes. That's what saved me. I knew. I felt it here in my heart how
you loved me. Roger, I felt it from the moment we met."
"Yes," he said, "I loved you from that moment, Annette."
"And I you, Roger. But it seemed so impossible. I used to think it
must be a dream. Aunty, father, Garman and all the selfishness; and
then in the midst of it all finding such a love--such a love as girls
dream of, Roger. And I was afraid Garman had me in his power. So I
went to the island and fought it out. And then I knew it was all
right--because all I thought of was you. So I sent him that note. I
was a little afraid of him, and I wanted to lure him away, so I
could--well, I wanted him away."
"Why?"
"I can't tell you, dear."
"Why?"
"Please don't make me tell. I'm ashamed."
"Very well then."
She turned her flushed face up toward him.
"Do you really want to know?"
"If you wish to tell me."
"I wanted him away--so I could come to you. I hurried straight to your
camp. Am I shameless, Roger? Then we hunted for you. Roger----"
"I am not worthy of you," he said, "but I love you."
"Roger?"
"Yes, dear."
"Do you think we will really fight?"
They laughed together, the joyous laughter of youth, her head upon his
breast and his arms about her.
"Probably," he said.
And they laughed again.