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Rh "But would I not still be a burden; you said I could not bear poverty?" she asked.

He looked up with an expression of painful surprise:

"Don't, don't! I know now that love is the crown and fulfillment of all earthly good. Have you quit caring for me? I infer as much."

Hastening to undo the effect of her last words, she said:

"Forgive me, Robert, what need I say? You read my utmost thoughts now as always. I have not changed towards you."

His sad expression gave place to exquisite joy and adoration.

"I am grateful for the blessing of a good woman's love."

They passed out of the gate, down through the browning woods, and all things were now as they, of old, had been. The bracing, cool October air was like rare old wine; it made their flagging pulses beat full and strong. In such an atmosphere, hand in hand with such a companion—a woman so sweet, so young, so pure—Robert could not fail to feel the fires of love burn brighter and brighter. Her forgiveness was spoken from her very soul. Rarely has a wave of happiness so illumined a woman's face as when she said, "I