She spoke with emphasis and a strange depth of feeling, and he
wondered what she meant.
"I could never change, Dorothy," he replied with fervor, "unless you
wished it; but if you did, do you know I believe it would not be in
your power to reverse the bewildering spell you have wrought, and
make me hate you, for never before have I felt anything approaching
this strange sudden infatuation. But do not keep me in suspense; tell
me, I pray, what is this mystery in your life which you think would
change my feelings toward you?"
"I belong nowhere. I have no friend in all the wide world," she
answered bitterly.
"You have forgotten Ah Ben," suggested Paul. She did not answer, but
continued stroking the parrot which had lighted upon her shoulder,
demanding her caresses with numerous mutterings.
"Modesty prevents my reminding you of my humble aspirations to your
friendship," added Paul, nestling closer to her side. Suddenly she
looked up at him with an intense penetrating gaze, while she squeezed
the parrot until it screamed.
"Do you think you could show your friendship and stick to me through
a terrible ordeal?" she asked earnestly.
"I'm sure of it," he answered. "My love is not so thin-skinned as to
shrink from any test. Only try me!"
"Then get me away from this place," she cried, "far, far away from
it. But, mind, it will not be so easy as you think."
"Are you held against your will?" demanded Paul.
"No, no! You can not understand it. But I could not go alone. I
will explain it to you some time, but not now. There is no hurry."
"Is Ah Ben anxious to keep you?" inquired Henley.
"On the contrary, he wishes me to go. You can not understand me, as I
am quite different from other girls. Only take my word for what I
tell you; and when the time comes, you will not desert me, will you?"
There was something wildly entreating in her manner and the tones of
her voice, and a pathos which went to Henley's heart. What it all was
about he could no more imagine than he could account for any of the
mysteries at Guir House; but he was determined to stand by Dorothy,
come what might.
Suddenly the girl had become quiet, rapt in some new thought. In
another minute she placed her hand lightly upon Paul's shoulder, and
said: "Remember, you have promised!"