"Allen, Grant - Miss Cayley's Adventures 05 - The Adenture of the Impromptu Mountaineer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Allen Grant)

He turned to me imploringly. 'Lois,' he cried,
stretching out his arms, with an appealing air, 'I
may stay, mayn't I?'

I tried to be stern; but I fear 'twas a feeble
pretence. 'We are two girls, alone in a house,' I
answered. 'Lady Georgina, as a matron of
experience, ought to have protected us. Merely to
give you lunch is almost irregular. (Good
diplomatic word, irregular.) Still, in these days,
I suppose you may stay, if you leave early in the
afternoon. That's the utmost I can do for you.'

'You are not gracious,' he cried, gazing at me
with a wistful look.

I did not dare to be gracious. 'Uninvited guests
must not quarrel with their welcome,' I answered
severely. Then the woman in me broke forth. 'But
indeed, Mr. Tillington, I am glad to see you.'

He leaned forward eagerly. 'So you are not angry
with me, Lois? I may call you Lois?'

I trembled and hesitated. 'I am not angry with
you. I--I like you too much to be ever angry with
you. And I am glad you came--just this once--to
see me .... Yes,--when we are alone--you may call
me Lois.'

He tried to seize my hand. I withdrew it. 'Then
I may perhaps hope,' he began, that some day----'

I shook my head. 'No, no,' I said, regretfully.
You misunderstand me. I like you very much; and I
like to see you. But as long as you are rich and
have prospects like yours, I could never marry you.
My pride wouldn't let me. Take that as final.'

I looked away. He bent forward again. 'But if I
were poor?' he put in, eagerly.

I hesitated. Then my heart rose, and I gave way.
'If ever you are poor,' I faltered,--'penniless,
hunted, friendless--come to me, Harold, and I will
help and comfort you. But not till then. Not till
then, I implore you.'

He leant back and clasped his hands. 'You have
given me something to live for, dear Lois,' he