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112 Did n't you see that it settled it all? I know there are other men, and noble and good—the world full of them—not getting their deserts—deserts much bigger than a girl like me. I know that. But what of it? This Peter, oh, I'm sorry for him, and grateful, and he must be wonderfully good. But—don't you see?" she begged helplessly. "I can't explain—but if you don't—if you have the least doubt—then we 've made a mistake"— Her eyes shone pitifully and her lip trembled.

"Helen, you know I could n't," he said, frightened at the thought. "You know that. Why, when I was in the whirlpool, and it on my back—this Death your father spins words about—pressing me down, what do you suppose I thought? Just that I could n't die then, because the drink from your spring,—our poor little foolish game, lasting through it all, right to the end of everything, down there in the dark. Oh, just believe that! I can't explain, either, half of it."

The color of reassurance came back to her cheeks.