Dick would as soon have cut off his head as got such a thing," Andy replied.
Ethelyn knew she could rely on what Andy said, and a heartfelt "Thank God! It is more than I deserve!" fell from her lips, just as a step was heard in the hall.
"That's Dick,--he's coming," Andy whispered, and hastily withdrawing he left the two alone together.
It was more than an hour before even Aunt Barbara ventured into the room, and when she did she knew by the joy written on Richard's face and the deep peace shining in Ethie's eyes that the reconciliation had been complete and perfect.

Every error had been confessed, every fault forgiven, and the husband and wife stood ready now to begin the world anew, with perfect love for and confidence in each other.

Ethie had acknowledged all her faults, the greatest of which was the giving her hand to one from whom she withheld her heart.
"But you have that now," she said.

"I can truly say that I love you far betten than ever frank Van Buren was loved, and I know you to be worthy, too.

I have been so wicked, Richard,--so wilful and impatient,--that I wonder you have not learned to hate my very name.