"If I can, Giff;" and then, with sudden trustfulness, she added, "Yes, I will.

What is it ?" She had risen, and was standing on the step above him.

He looked at her nervous little hands a moment, but did not touch them, and then he said, "If the time ever comes when you can love me, tell me so.

I ask you this, Lois, because I cannot bear to distress you again by speaking words of love you do not want to hear, and yet I can't help hoping; and I shall always love you, but it shall be in silence.

So if the day ever does come when you can love me, promise to tell me." "Oh, yes," she said, glad to grant something.