"Mary's not the woman--and I'm sure I'm not the man--to care for any one on account of the money he can make.

We like you for yourself,--so don't spoil this happiest day of our lives by suggesting any separation between us.

Do you hear ?" "I hear!"-- and a sudden brightness flashed up in Helmsley's sunken eyes, making them look almost young--"And I understand! I understand that though I am poor and old, and a stranger to you,--you are giving me friendship such as rich men often seek for and never find!--and I will try,--yes, I will try, God helping me,--to be worthy of your trust! If I stay with you----" "There must be no 'if' in the case, David!" said Mary, smiling up at him.
He stroked her bright hair caressingly.
"Well, then, I will put it not 'if,' but as long as I stay with you," he answered--"as long as I stay with you, I will do all I can to show you how grateful I am to you,--and--and--I will never give you cause"-- here he spoke more slowly, and with deliberate emphasis--"I will never give you cause to regret your confidence in me! I want you both to be glad--not sorry--that you spared a lonely old man a little of your affection!" "We _are_ glad, David!"-- and Mary, as he lifted his hand from her head, caught it and kissed it lightly.

"And we shall never be sorry! And here is Charlie"-- and she picked up the little dog as she spoke and fondled it playfully,--"wondering why he is not included in the family party! For, after all, it is quite your affair, isn't it, Charlie?
_You_ were the cause of my finding David out on the hills!--and David was the cause of my knowing Angus--so if it hadn't been for _you_, nothing would have happened at all, Charlie!--and I should have been a lonely old maid all the days of my life! And I can't do anything to show my gratitude to you, you quaint wee soul, but give you a saucer of cream!" She laughed, and springing up, began to prepare the tea.

While she was moving quickly to and fro on this household business, Helmsley beckoned Reay to come closer to him.
"Speak frankly, Mr.Reay!" he said.