Hundredth Chance [Hardcover]

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1917. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... think of this. But do you know I would rather--really rather--go on in the old way and look after Bunny myself at night? You can help me in the daytime if you will. But--but--at night,--Jake, please, let me take care of him at night!" There was entreaty in her voice. Jake remained beside her, his hand grasping the arm of her chair. Once more she was conscious of the warmth of the man as of a force that emanated from him. Her fingers closed almost beseechingly upon his sleeve. "Say," he said slowly at last, "is it for your own sake ---or for Bunny's?" She quivered at the question. He was looking past her into the fire. She had a feeling that he was deliberately compelling himseH to do so. "I have always mothered Bunny," she said rather piteously. "I--shouldn't feel easy about him if--if J were aot within reach." "Is that quite true?" said Jake. "True!" she echoed. He nodded two or three times. "Is it quite true that you wouldn't feel easy--absolutely easy--about leaving the boy in my charge?" She hesitated. "Now, don't mind me!" he said. "Be honest! I'm honest myself." She hesitated still. He turned his head slowly and looked at her. "It's not --quite--true, is it?" he said. Her eyes fell before his. "Very well," she said, her voice very low. "We will say it is entirely for my own sake. I want to be with him at night." Jake was silent a moment. Then: "That's a pity," he said, "because I'm afraid the matter is practically settled. Of course I'd call you if he needed you," he added. She drew her hand from beneath his. "You have settled it between you, I see," she said, with a small, pinched smile. He got up and solidly returned to his chair. "Yes, that's so. I don't say we are going to make a rule of it. But for to-night anyway" She interrupted him suddenly, with t...