“For the woman whose horizon is no larger there can be none. She can only see the world in which she moves. To some of us God has given the wider view. What is one life if it is sacrificed to this higher ideal? You are leading the renaissance of America. So am I. Our beautiful country with her teeming millions must rise in her glory and live forever when you and I have passed on. The soldier sees this vision when he dies in battle. So I see it today.” He stooped again and gathered a handful of pebbles, rolling them thoughtfully in his hand. His eyes were on the ground. “It isn’t Waldron?” he asked. She smiled with a touch of mischief. “No. But I confess such a man might tempt me--” He threw the pebbles on the ground with a gesture of impatience. “It’s not true!” he cried, facing her suddenly. With a fierce resolution he seized her hand. “I won’t take any such answer,” he breathed desperately. “You’re not playing this game fairly with me. I’ve torn my heart open to you. You’re hedging and trimming. I won’t have it. You haven’t dared to deny your love. You can’t deny it. You love me and you know it and I know it--” She lifted her free hand in a gesture of protest. “You love me! I feel it! I know it!” he repeated fiercely. With quick resolution he swept her into his arms and kissed her lips again and again. For just an instant he felt her body relax. The next minute she had freed herself and faced him, her eyes blazing with anger. Her anger was not a pose. He saw to his horror that he had staked all on a mad chance and lost. He stammered something incoherent and mopped his brow lamely. “I suppose it’s useless for me to say I’m sorry--” “Quite,” she said with cold emphasis. “All right I won’t. Because I’m not sorry I did it. I’m only sorry you resent it. I love you. True love is half madness. I won’t apologize. If I must die for that one moment, it’s worth it.” “There can be nothing more between us after this,” she said evenly. He bowed in silence. “Please play the little farce of polite society before my father and mother as you leave tonight. It’s the only favor I ask of you.” “I understand,” he answered. CHAPTER XV The perfection with which Virginia played her part in the little drama of deception at their parting was a new source of surprise and anger to Vassar. Her acting was consummate. Neither the children nor her parents could suspect for a moment that there had been the slightest break in their relations. Self-respect compelled him to act the part with equal care in detail. The old soldier had grown very fond of Marya. He held her in his arms chattering like a magpie. “Now don’t you go back on me when you get to town and fail to take that cottage!” he protested. “Oh, we’re coming on Tuesday--aren’t we, Uncle John?” she cried. Virginia watched his face. He caught the look and answered its challenge by an instant reply.