Poor Tom! He has held his breath for four years." Tom Parker had heard of children spoiled by schooling, of daughters educated away from their commonplace parents and rendered disdainful of them, but never for one instant did he fear that his girl was that sort.

He just knew better.

He could no more have doubted "Bob's" love for him than his for her, or-God's love for both of them.

Such love is perfect, absolute.

He took no thought, therefore, of the changes time and poverty had wrought in his appearance: "Bob" wouldn't notice.