“‘Several times,’ says she, ‘I’ve seen him gloomerin’ over that box of evenings, and he always locks it up right away if anybody comes into the room.’
“Well, you can imagine how long it was before I got Arthur by the wrist and led him down stage and hissed in his ear.
“That same afternoon we were lazying around in a boat among the water-lilies at the edge of the bay.
“‘Arthur,’ says I, ‘you never told me you’d had another love-affair. But Mrs. Gurley did,’ I went on, to let him know I knew. I hate to hear a man lie.
“‘Before you came,’ says he, looking me frankly in the eye, ‘there was a previous affection—a strong one. Since you know of it, I will be perfectly candid with you.’
“‘I am waiting,’ says I.
“‘My dear Ida,’ says Arthur—of course I went by my real name, while I was in Soundport—‘this former affection was a spiritual one, in fact. Although the lady aroused my deepest sentiments, and was, as I thought, my ideal woman, I never met her, and never spoke to her. It was an ideal love. My love for you, while no less ideal, is different. You wouldn’t let that come between us.’
“‘Was she pretty?’ I asked.
“‘She was very beautiful,’ said Arthur.
“‘Did you see her often?’ I asked.
[239]
