Now John, you know all--all.

I have withheld nothing.

I have, confessed all, and I feel that a great weight is taken from my heart.

You will not hate me, will you, John ?" He caught the girl to his breast and tried to turn her face toward his.
"I could not hate you if I would," he replied, with quick-coming breath, "and God knows I would not.

To love you is the sweetest joy in life," and he softly kissed the great lustrous eyes till they closed as if in sleep.
Then he fiercely sought the rich red lips, waiting soft and passive for his caresses, while the fair head fell back upon the bend of his elbow in a languorous, half-conscious sweet surrender to his will.