Fires of St. John Part 45

Why, nonsense----

Gertrude.

[_Unshaken_.] Oh, yes, George; I read it myself. And even if you do, George, I feel so--my love for you is so great, it could move mountains. I love you so dearly---- She will surely learn to forget you, I will love you so much.

George.

But, my pet----

Gertrude.

No, no, George. You see, I don't blame you so much. How could I? For what am I, compared to other women?--George, does she love you so very much?

George.

Who?

Gertrude.

Oh, you know. But don't worry, George dear; she will forget you in time! Don't you remember Robert, our neighbor's son? He threatened to kill himself if I didn't marry him, and he has already forgotten me!

And to-day, when we stand at the altar, at the Doxology and the exchange of rings, I will nudge you softly, and then we will both pray to our good Father in heaven to make it easy for her; for no one shall be unhappy on this day! Why, George, you are crying!!!!

George.

Crying--I?

Gertrude.

Why, yes! Here are two large tears running down your cheek. [_Wipes his eyes with her handkerchief_.] So there----

George.

Tell me, my pet; and if we should be parted, after all?

Gertrude.

How could that be possible?

George.

If I should die--or----

Gertrude.

[_Embracing him_.] No, no! Don't say that! Don't say that!!!

[Marie _appears in door, seeing embrace_.]

George.

[_Startled_.] Some one is here----

Gertrude.

It is only Marie.

Marie.

[_Pointedly_.] You seem to be particularly affectionate to-day.

Gertrude.

[_Miffed_.] We always love each other. Oh, perhaps that doesn't please you----

Marie.

It is nothing to me!

Gertrude.

[_Half Jesting_.] Besides, what do you want here? Isn't there anything to do in the kitchen?

Marie.

[_Stung, but controlling herself_.] Mama has sent me----

Gertrude.

Yes, yes, dear; you are just in time to dress my hair. Have you hairpins?

Marie.

[_Shaking her head_.] I will get some. [_Reels_.]

Gertrude.

[_Affectionately_.] What's the matter, dear? Oh, you must be tired!

Marie.

I am not tired.

Gertrude.

Yes, yes, you are. Now you sit down here. I will fetch them myself.

[_Quick exit_.]

Marie.