I wish to remember him as he lived, and one, glance at his dead face would blot out the memory forever." Ralph could not understand this.

There was no chord in his nature that responded to such feelings; but he said nothing in reply.
"Ralph," continued Willy, "do you know I think Rotha--I almost thin--do you not think that Rotha rather cares for me ?" A perceptible tremor passed over Ralph's face.

Then he said, with something like a smile, "Do you think she does, my lad ?" "I do--I almost do think so." Ralph had resumed his seat on the oak chest.

The simple, faltering words just spoken had shaken him to the core.

Hidden there--hidden even from himself--had lain inert for months a mighty passion such as only a great heart can know.