Debby stood Looking down at the tall head bent
before her, with a curious sense of wonder that a
look from her could make a strong man flush and
pale, as he had done; and she was trying to concoct
some friendly speech, when Frank, still fumbling
at the knots, said, very earnestly and low,--
"Forgive me, if I am selfish in pressing for an
answer; but I must go to-morrow, and a single
word will change my whole future for the better
or the worse. Won't you speak it, Dora?"
If they had been alone, Debby would have put
her arms about his neck, and said it with all her
heart; but she had a presentiment that she should
cry, if her love found vent; and here forty pairs
of eyes were on them, and salt water seemed
superfluous. Besides, Debby had not breathed the air
of coquetry so long without a touch of the infection;
and the love of power, that lies dormant in
the meekest woman's breast, suddenly awoke and
tempted her.
"If you catch me before I reach that rock,
perhaps I will say 'Yes,'" was her unexpected
answer; and before her lover caught her meaning,
she was floating leisurely away.
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