"To what end," he asked, "do you imagine that I have talked so much?
To the end that I might show you that however I may have wronged you I have at the last made some amends; and that for the sake of this, the truest proof of penitence, I may have your forgiveness ere I go." She was weeping softly.

"It was an ill day on which we met," she sighed.
"For you--aye." "Nay--for you.
"We'll say for both of us, then," he compromised.

"See, Ruth, your cousin grows weary, and I have a couple of comrades who are no doubt impatient to be gone.

It may not be good for us to tarry in these parts.
Some amends I have made; but there is one crowning wrong which I have done you for which there is but one amend to make." He paused.

He steadied himself before continuing.