Conceit is not of my nature, and, indeed, at that time I had small enough faith in myself.

I merely sought to encourage the poor girl with what little hope I possessed, and knew she read the truth behind those utterances which sounded so brave.

Even as I finished she arose to her feet, standing erect before me, looking a very queen.
"Never will I doubt that, Geoffrey Benteen," she declared impulsively.
"I have seen you in danger, and never forgotten it.

If it is any encouragement to hear it spoken from my lips, know, even as you go forth from here, that never did woman trust man as I trust you." The hot blood surged into my face with a madness I retained barely sufficient strength to conquer.
"I--I accept your words in the same spirit with which they are offered," I stammered, hardly aware of what I said.

"They are of greatest worth to me." I bowed low above the white hand resting so confidingly within mine, anxious to escape from the room before my love gave utterance to some foolish speech.