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can’t matter to you now that I’m going so far away, and for so long—perhaps forever. I’ve loved you all these years, but the realization of it never came to me ’til I agreed to go away with Uncle Dick. Then I thought of leaving you, and the pain of that thought revealed the truth to me in a flash—that I loved you, had loved you as long as I could remember. [He gently pulls one of hands away from her face.] You musn’t mind my telling you this, Ruth. I realize how impossible it all is—and I understand; for the revelation of my own love seemed to open my eyes to the love of others. I saw Andy’s love for you—and I knew that you must love him.

—[Breaking out stormily.] I don’t! I don’t love Andy! I don’t! [ stares at her in stupid astonishment. weeps hysterically.] Whatever—put such a fool notion into—into your head? [She suddenly throws her arms about his neck and hides her head on his shoulder.] Oh, Rob! Don’t go away! Please! You mustn’t, now! You can’t! I won’t let you! It’d break my—my heart!

—[''The expression of stupid bewilderment giving way to one of overwhelming joy. He presses her close to him—slowly and tenderly''.] Do you mean that—that you love me?

—[Sobbing.] Yes, yes—of course I do—what d’you s’pose? [She lifts up her head and looks into his eyes with a tremulous smile.] You stupid thing! [He kisses her.] I’ve loved you right along.