It takes only a very little to push you over when you are on the edge, and I had been on the edge for a long time.
But don't let us talk about it, dear Uncle George," she added with a forced smile.

"I'm going to take care of you now and be a charming old maid with side curls and spectacles and make flannel things for the poor--you just wait and see what a comfort I will be." Her lips were trembling, the tears crowding over the edges of her lids.
St.George stretched out his hand and in his kindest voice said: "Was it the carrier and his wife, or was it the sailor boy who came back so fine and strong, that affected you, Kate ?--and made you give up Mr.
Willits ?" He would go to the bottom now.
"It was everything, Uncle George--the sweetness of it all--her pride in her husband--his doubts of her--her repentance; and yet she did what she thought was for the best; and then his forgiveness and the way he wanted to take her in his arms at last and she would not until she explained.
And there was nothing really to explain--only love, and trust, and truth--all the time believing in him--loving him.

Oh, it is cruel to part people--it's so mean and despicable! There are so many Tackletons--and the May Fieldings go to the altar and so on to their graves--and there is often such a very little difference between the two.

I never gave my promise to Mr.Willits.I would not!--I could not! He kept hoping and waiting.

He was very gentle and patient--he never coaxed nor pleaded, but just--Oh, Uncle George!--let me talk it all out--I have nobody else.