He saw destiny in the dark, straight path of her wonderful eyes.

Here was the simplicity, the sweetness of a girl contending with new and strange and enthralling emotions here the living truth of innocence; here the blind terror of a woman confronted with the thought of death to her savior and protector.
All this Venters saw, but, besides, there was in Bess's eyes a slow-dawning consciousness that seemed about to break out in glorious radiance.
"Bess, are you thinking ?" he asked.
"Yes--oh yes!" "Do you realize we are here alone--man and woman ?" "Yes." "Have you thought that we may make our way out to civilization, or we may have to stay here--alone--hidden from the world all our lives ?" "I never thought--till now." "Well, what's your choice--to go--or to stay here--alone with me ?" "Stay!" New-born thought of self, ringing vibrantly in her voice, gave her answer singular power.
Venters trembled, and then swiftly turned his gaze from her face--from her eyes.

He knew what she had only half divined--that she loved him..