Her thoughts had been so far away,
bridging the gulf between to-day and long-dead yesterday, that she had
almost to wrench them back to the present. And now here was Robin, with
a new light in his eyes and a new, passionate note in his voice.
"Cara--darling--"
With a sudden realisation of what was coming, she drew her hand quickly
away from him.
"No--no, Robin--" she began.
But he would not listen.
"Don't say 'no' yet. Hear me out!" he exclaimed. "I love you. But I don't
suppose--I'm not conceited enough to suppose that you love me--yet. Only
let me try--let me try to teach you to love me! Don't judge all men by one.
You've had a ghastly time. Let me try--some day--to make you happier."
He was so eager, so humble, so entirely selfless in his devotion, thinking
only of her, that she was touched inexpressibly--tempted, even. Ah! If she
could only put all the past aside, out of sight, and take this love that
Robin offered her and hold it round her like a garment shielding her from
the icy blasts of life! But she had nothing to give in return for this
splendid, brave first love he was offering her. She must play fair. She
dare not take where she could not give.
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