Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/62

 in my life. I think, perhaps, I am going to give her the thing I hold most dear."

"Oh, I don't think you're called on to do that," he said lightly.

"Do you think her very sweet, Tony?"

"Yes, and interesting, too—strangely interesting."

"I want you to like her tremendously."

"Of course I'd do that, because she's yours."

"No, I want you to because she's herself."

"When are you going to answer that question I asked you the other night?"

"I don't know. If I answered it to-night, I should say that it can never be."

"Then I won't speak of it again until you wish me to."

"Thanks. I shall not be long, but it takes some time to face the truth fairly and squarely, and give it welcome."

Later, when the house was dark and quiet, Mrs. Martin went to Priscilla's door. The girl sat before the fire, toasting her toes,