Yet I insist on the lips! Now tell me," and I held her to me, "tell me!" "What--oh, Major, please!" "There are but three words to speak; whisper them, dear, and I go." "Three words!" "Such easy words; they are trembling on your lips now--_I love you_." "But if I do not; if they are false.

Hush! There is some one on the veranda--Seldon must have returned." "All the more reason why you should speak quickly," I whispered, without releasing her.
"Will you go, then?
At once ?" "I pledge my word." She drew a deep breath, her eyes shadowed, but I could hear the swift pulsing of her heart.
"It--it will mean nothing--nothing." "Of course; only a memory to dream over." Her lashes lifted, her head tilted back upon my shoulder.

For a bare instant I gazed down into the depths.
"Then--then I will--_I love you_!" With the words I kissed her, pressing my lips to hers; an instant they clung, and I felt the pressure of her arm, the hot blood rioting through my veins.
"Sweetheart," I whispered, "sweetheart." "No, no!" and she thrust me from her.

"You forget.

I am not that.