That is the
right way, is it not?"
"Yes, I think so," and she lifted her eyes to mine.
"I like you better for that."
"I think I like myself better also," I said with a laugh. "I confess I
did n't care much at first. The whole affair merely represented a
lark, an adventure with me. But after what you said the night of our
arrival I began to view the thing in a new light, and to despise my
part in It. Yet even then I felt bound to carry out my agreement. It
was only when you told me your identity, that I felt free to decide
otherwise."
"Why should that make such a difference? If I had not been the one,
then it would have been some other woman defrauded."
"True, but a mere unknown, a shadow. Besides, I had no reason
previously to know that a fraud was contemplated--those rascals told a
most plausible story, leaving me to believe I served the real heirs.
Now I comprehend their true purpose and--and, well, knowing you it has
become personal."
"I do not altogether understand."
"Why, it is simply this," I went on desperately, "I want to serve you,
and I want you to respect me. Down in your heart you have n't really
been assured that I was not one of that gang of conspirators. You came
down here to watch me. Now I am going to stand up as Gordon Craig, and
fight it out for you.
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