"But, Gifford, dear, it will never come; I must say that now." "But you promise ?" "Yes," she answered, soberly.

"I promise." He looked at her steadily a moment.

"God bless you, dear," he said.
"Oh, Gifford!" cried the girl, and with a sudden impulse she stooped and kissed his forehead; then, half frightened at what she had done, but not yet regretting it, she brushed past him, and went swiftly up the path to the rectory.
The young man stood quite still a moment, with reverent head bent as though he had received a benediction, and then turned and followed her..