"My God!" burst out the rolling-stone, "and to think that you are tied to that villain."
"You have my love—what else matters?" she whispered shyly.
"I want you, you, you!" he hissed. "Oh, child, you don't know how hateful my life has been without you."
"We can only hope," she said bravely.
"Lolie, there is murder in my heart when I think of it all. Aye, murder, crying, begging, moaning for its victim," he cried hoarsely.
"Oh, Jack, you mustn't talk like that."
"I can't help it, child, I want you too much!" groaned the rover dismally.
Her small hand crept into his with a mute sympathy and perfect understanding. The very touch soothed him. No need to speak. Each knew the other's thoughts, and with wistful, tender glances they sat hand in hand, snatching a sweet comfort in being together.
Whatever the future held for them, whatever fears or black forebodings each held in his or her heart, they put away from them, determined to let nothing cloud the sweetness of the moment.
It might all be very wrong, but they were but human and both had suffered much.