when it's a girl like me, with no connections—or—or anything to speak of, only a little Australian savage, and when even"
"When—what?"
"When she doesn't even love you as much as she ought."
He turned himself to her and looked into her face with a curious surprise. She was looking out into the night, and her expression puzzled and her indifference piqued him into still wilder admiration. He laughed in a strange way. "I think I could make you love me—quite as much as you ought, if you will trust yourself to me."
Now she turned to him seriously. "Very well," she said, "I will trust myself to you. If I had not thought that you would make me love you, and if I hadn't wanted to try, I would not have worn this." She touched the diamonds at her neck.
He threw his arm round her. She knew that he wanted to kiss her, and something in his eyes made her shrink. She got up hastily. "Not now," she said. "I think I should like to go back to the dancing."
"No, no," he pleaded. But she was firm. Nor would she let him kiss even her hand. He thought this was coquetry, and told her he bided his time.
CHAPTER XXII.
WE ARE ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED.
The dance that should have been Frank Hallett's was claimed by the Prince. Of course the royal request was a command, and Elsie danced with the distinguished guest of Leichardt's Land, to the envy and admiration of the Leichardtstonians. Lord Astar had written his name down for the dance following, and he came almost immediately and took her away. They went round the room once, and
