The Danger Mark Part 26

"Don't you understand," she said, "that ordinary people are very shy about talking art to a professional----"

"I don't want you to talk art. Any little thing with blue eyes and blond curls can do it. I wanted you to see what I do, say what you think, like it or d.a.m.n it--only do something about it! You've never been to my studio except to stand with the perfumed crowd and talk commonplaces in front of a picture."

"I can't go alone."

"Can't you?" he asked, looking closely at her in the dusk, so close that she could see every mocking feature.

"Yes," she said in a low, surprised voice, "I could go alone--anywhere--with you.... I didn't realise it before, Duane."

"You never tried. You once mistook an impulse of genuine pa.s.sion for the sort of thing I've done since. You made a terrific fuss about being kissed when I saw, as soon as I saw you, that I wanted to win you, if you'd let me. Since then you've chosen the key-note of our relations, not I, and you don't like my interpretation of my part."

For a while she sat silent, preoccupied with this totally new revelation of a man about whom she supposed she had long ago made up her mind.

"I'm glad we've had this talk," she said at last.

"I am, too. I haven't asked you to fall in love with me; I haven't asked for your confidence. I've asked you to take an intelligent, affectionate interest in what I might become, and perhaps you and I won't be so lonely if you do."

He struck a match in the darkness and lighted a cigarette. Close insh.o.r.e Scott Seagrave's electric torch flashed. They heard the velvety sc.r.a.ping of the canoe, the rattle and thump as he flung it, bottom upward, on the sandy point.

"h.e.l.lo, you people! Where are you?"--sweeping the wood's edge with his flash-light--"oh, there you are. Isn't this glorious? Did you ever see such a sight as those big fellows jumping?"

"Meanwhile," said his sister, rising, "our guests are doubtless yelling with hunger. What time is it, Duane? Half-past eight? Please hurry, Scott; we've got to get back and dress in five minutes!"

"I can do it easily," announced her brother, going ahead to light the path. And all the way home he discussed aloud upon the stripping, hatching, breeding, care, and diseases of trout, never looking back, and quite confident that they were listening attentively to his woodland lecture.

"Duane," she said, lowering her voice, "do you think all our misunderstandings are ended?"

"Certainly," he replied gaily. "Don't you?"

"But how am I going to make everybody think you are not frivolous?"

"I am frivolous. There's lots of froth to me--on top. You know that sort of foam you see on gra.s.s-stems in the fields. Hidden away inside is a very clever and busy little creature. He uses the froth to protect himself."

"Are you going to froth?"

"Yes--until----"

"Until what?"

"You----"

"Go on."

"Shall I say it?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, unless you and I find each other intellectually satisfactory."

"You said only a man--in love with a woman--could find her interesting in that way."

"Yes. What of it?"

"Nothing.... Only I'm afraid you'll have to froth, then," she said, laughing. "I haven't any intention of falling in love with you, Duane, and you'll find me stupid if I don't. Do you know that what you intimate is very horrid?"

"Why?"

"Yes, it is. Besides, it's a sort of threat----"

"A threat?"

"Certainly. You threaten to--you know perfectly well what you threaten to do unless I immediately consider the possibility of our--caring for each other--sentimentally."

"But what do you care if you don't care?"

"I--don't. All the same it's horrid and--and unfair. Suppose I was frothy and behaved----"

"Misbehaved?"

"Yes. Just because you wouldn't agree to take a sentimental interest in me?"

"I _would_ agree! I'll agree now!"

"Suppose you wouldn't?"

"I can't imagine----"

"Oh, Duane, be honest! And I'll tell you flatly--if you do misbehave.

Just because I don't particularly desire to rush into your arms----"

"But I haven't threatened to."

Unconsciously she laid her hand on his arm again, slipping it a little way under.

"You're just as you were years ago--just the dearest of playmates. We're not too old to play, are we?"

"I can't with you; it's too dangerous."

"What nonsense! Yes, you can. You like me for my intelligence in spite of what you say about men and women----"

"I wouldn't care for your intelligence if I were not in----"

"Duane, stop, please!"

"In danger," he continued blandly, "of proving my proposition."

"You are insufferable. I am as intelligent as you."

"I know it, but it wouldn't attract me unless----"