Joan marveled at the twist of Fate that had brought him to the willow.
His individuality made its own appeal.

But there were subtler forces working to the girl's surrender.

One, a deep abiding gratitude to him and Brian.

Though she ran down the lane each morning and peered into the letter box at the end for word of Donald, her disappointment now had nothing in it of terror.

Donald, Kenny said, was with an O'Neill.