Her big eyes widened and dilated with intense lights. She
seemed to leap to the height and the dignity of superb womanhood before
their wondering gaze.
"I never have had to dream of love," she said proudly. "I never have
known anything else, in all my life, but to love everyone and to have
everyone love me. And there never has been anyone so dear as Freckles.
If you will remember, we have been through a good deal together. I do
love Freckles, just as I say I do. I don't know anything about the love
of sweethearts, but I love him with all the love in my heart, and I
think that will satisfy him."
"Surely it should!" muttered the man of knives and lancets.
McLean reached to take hold of the Angel, but she saw the movement and
swiftly stepped back.
"As for my father," she continued, "he at once told me what he learned
from you about Freckles. I've known all you know for several weeks. That
knowledge didn't change your love for him a particle. I think the Bird
Woman loved him more. Why should you two have all the fine perceptions
there are? Can't I see how brave, trustworthy, and splendid he is? Can't
I see how his soul vibrates with his music, his love of beautiful things
and the pangs of loneliness and heart hunger? Must you two love him
with all the love there is, and I give him none? My father is never
unreasonable.
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