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CHAPTER XXVIII. AND AFTER

"THAT was a mighty good toast, Jane," said Mr. Hersheimmer, as he and his

cousin were being driven back in the Rolls-Royce to the Ritz.

The one to the joint venture?"

No--the one to you. There isn't another girl in the world who could have carried it

through as you did. You were just wonderful!"

Jane shook her head.

"I don't feel wonderful. At heart I'm just tired and lonesome--and longing for my

own country."

That brings me to something I wanted to say. I heard the Ambassador telling you

his wife hoped you would come to them at the Embassy right away. That's good

enough, but I've got another plan. Jane--I want you to marry me! Don't get scared

and say no at once. You can't love me right away, of course, that's impossible.

But I've loved you from the very moment I set eyes on your photo--and now I've

seen you I'm simply crazy about you! If you'll only marry me, I won't worry you

any--you shall take your own time. Maybe you'll never come to love me, and if

that's the case I'll manage to set you free. But I want the right to look after you,

and take care of you."

"That's what I want," said the girl wistfully. "Some one who'll be good to me. Oh,

you don't know how lonesome I feel!"

"Sure thing I do. Then I guess that's all fixed up, and I'll see the archbishop about

a special license to-morrow morning."

"Oh, Julius!"

Well, I don't want to hustle you any, Jane, but there's no sense in waiting about.

Don't be scared--I shan't expect you to love me all at once."

But a small hand was slipped into his.

"I love you now, Julius," said Jane Finn. "I loved you that first moment in the car

when the bullet grazed your cheek...."

254

The Secret Adversary