ally over, and if the curtain could not be rung down, at
least the players bowed their thanks and farewells, standing together in
a long line with Mrs. Burton in the center.

In order that they might avoid the confusion and fatigue of meeting so
many strangers and receiving their congratulations after the play had
ended, Mrs. Burton previously had invited her company of actors to motor
over to Sunrise camp to a supper party as soon as they could slip away.

Gerry was returning in the motor with Mrs. Burton.

She chanced to be standing alone for a moment waiting for the others who
were shaking hands with some new acquaintances, when Felipe Morris
touched her upon the arm.

"Gerry, I must speak to you by yourself tonight after we reach the
Sunrise camp. Please, no matter what happens, let nothing interfere with
my seeing you. I have something to tell you and something to ask you
which will affect all our future."

CHAPTER XV

"I Will Marry You, if Ever I Marry Woman"

To Gerry Williams it seemed as if their long supper party would never
end.

The supper was served outdoors on a number of small tables. Through an
accident Gerry was seated at so great a distance from Felipe that it was
not possible to see his face and so guess from his expression something
of what he desired to tell her.

Gerry was puzzled. If what he wished to say had to do with their future
happiness, why had he looked so disturbed? And why should it be
imperative that he make his confession tonight?

Already it was late, past midnight, and they were both weary. There
would be tomorrow and other days.

Really she would have preferred not to talk with Felipe alone tonight.
To slip away from the others would be difficult, and without Mrs.
Burton's consent Gerry did not like the idea. Yet she did not dare ask
for permission, being convinced that because of the lateness of the hour
her request would be refused.

She felt that she must do what Felipe had begged of her. There had been
something in his manner at once imperative and beseeching.

An unaccustomed shyness, almost a sense of fear, had seized upon Gerry;
nevertheless she was prepared to follow Felipe's bidding, no matter how
difficult.

To eat or talk gaily to the others was hard. In a half-hearted fashion,
Gerry accomplished both results.

Immediately after the supper was finished the guests began saying their
farewells.

The hour was long past the one when the young of