... I want
you to know... I want..." Her voice failed her and she stopped.
Mr. Royall leaned against the wall. He was paler than usual, but his
face was composed and kindly and her agitation did not appear to perturb
him.
"What's all this about wanting?" he said as she paused. "Do you know
what you really want? I'll tell you. You want to be took home and took
care of. And I guess that's all there is to say."
"No... it's not all...."
"Ain't it?" He looked at his watch. "Well, I'll tell you another thing.
All I want is to know if you'll marry me. If there was anything else,
I'd tell you so; but there ain't. Come to my age, a man knows the things
that matter and the things that don't; that's about the only good turn
life does us."
His tone was so strong and resolute that it was like a supporting arm
about her. She felt her resistance melting, her strength slipping away
from her as he spoke.
"Don't cry, Charity," he exclaimed in a shaken voice. She looked up,
startled at his emotion, and their eyes met.
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