Strona 290 z 416

"I say, Elsa," he cried, "what's the matter? Don't do that. If

I've done anything--" He was on his feet and around the little

table in an instant. He took her left hand in his left and put

his right on her shoulder, speaking to her in broken, incoherent

sentences.

But his words, gentle and almost endearing, emphasized the

feeling of miserable self-pity that had taken hold of her and she

suddenly sobbed aloud.

"Elsa, dear," he cried, beside himself with uncertainty, "what is

it? Tell me. You've done so much for me, please let me do

something for you if I can."

"You can't, Code," she said, "unless it's in your heart," and

then she bowed her beautiful head forward upon her bare arms and

wept. After awhile the storm passed and she leaned back.

He kissed her suddenly. Then he abruptly turned to the door and

went out.

Schofield had suddenly come to his senses and disengaged himself

from Elsa's embrace.

CHAPTER XXV

THE GUILT FIXED

It was the following afternoon before Code Schofield ventured on

deck.