But I must tell you. I was a coward and a fool, I
reckon, for not telling you before. But I just couldn't, Winnie! But
those things are true! I was drunk that night--I was at Connelly's--I
was----"
Her form seemed to grow rigid in his arms.
"I must tell you the truth now, if it kills me!" he continued, almost
gasping out the words. "And if you cast me off, I believe it will kill
me! But it seems to me that I'd rather die than to have you think me
innocent when I am guilty. I could never stand it in the world. I'm a
dog, I allow! I'm not fit to associate with you whatever--not in the
least! Your father is right about that. I see it now, though I didn't
before. But, Winnie, I love you, and I love you! That is all I can say.
I allow I haven't a right to say that now, but I must say it. You won't
cast me off for this? You will give me another show? Before God, I
haven't touched the stuff since that night! Not a drop! And I'll never
touch it again!"
"Buck," she whispered, at last, "I wish you had told me that at the very
first."
"And you wouldn't have spoken to me again?"
"Yes, Buck, I should have spoken to you again. I should have been very
sorry, Buck. I should have grieved over it, as I do now. But I should
have loved you just the same, Buck.
Pages:
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188