Fires of St. John Part 23

I know it is wrong in me to annoy you at this time, when you are so occupied with affairs of your own---- Besides, you have already refused me once----

George.

Wha--yes, now in spite of them all, I am my own master. I am responsible to no one. I have promised you--I shall keep my word!!!!!

Marie.

Thank you, George!

George.

Oh, don't thank me----

Marie.

Where is she now?

George.

She is waiting, behind yonder garden hedge.

Marie.

My G.o.d! Do not keep her waiting any longer; call her in here.

George.

Gertrude is still in the house.

Marie.

I will get her out of the way. When I appear out there on the veranda, the coast is clear!!

George.

Marie, for your own sake, I warn you for the last time; discovery means certain disaster.

Marie.

One disaster more or less, it matters little!

George.

Is that your last word? Very well, I will bring her to you. [_Gets his hat and goes out centre door_.]

Marie.

[_Opens door L. and calls out_.] Gertrude! Gertrude!

[_A door is heard to open_.]

Gertrude.

[_Outside with crying voice_.] What is it?

Marie.

Come quickly, or papa will be angry!

Gertrude.

[_After a moment's pause_.] I am coming! [_Another short pause and she appears in door_.]

Marie.

How red your eyes are! You have been crying! What's the matter, dear?

[_Caressing her_.]

Gertrude.

Where is George?

Marie.

[_Lightly_.] He went out again a few moments ago.

Gertrude.

And he didn't ask to see me?

Marie.

He heard you were crying and did not want to disturb you.

Gertrude.

But, Marie, what is the matter with your own eyes? And you look so queerly----

Marie.

My pet, they are the eyes that G.o.d has given me and----

Gertrude.

[_Suspiciously_.] What?