And no one upon whom she has any claim, poor little atom!"-- smiling rather bitterly.

"Ah! Don't deny me!"-- her thin, eager hands clung to his--"don't deny me--say that you'll take her!" "Deny you?
But, of course I shan't deny you.

I'm only thankful that you have turned to me at last--that you have not quite forgotten!" "Forgotten ?" Her voice vibrated.

"Believe me or not, as you will, there has never been a day for nine long years when I have not remembered--never a night when I have not prayed God to bless you----" She broke off, her mouth working uncontrollably.
Very quietly, very tenderly, he drew her into his arms.

There was no passion in the caress--for was it not eventide, and the lengthening shadows of night already fallen across her path ?--but there was infinite love, and forgiveness, and understanding.