Rilla-my-Rilla, do you know what you have been to me the past year?
I want to tell you before I go.

I could not have lived through it if it had not been for you, little loving, believing heart." Rilla dared not try to speak.

She slipped her hand into Walter's and pressed it hard.
"And when I'm over there, Rilla, in that hell upon earth which men who have forgotten God have made, it will be the thought of you that will help me most.

I know you'll be as plucky and patient as you have shown yourself to be this past year--I'm not afraid for you.

I know that no matter what happens, you'll be Rilla-my-Rilla--no matter what happens." Rilla repressed tear and sigh, but she could not repress a little shiver, and Walter knew that he had said enough.