What reason had I for rejecting this fair young creature's love for Josiah?
"I took her photo from my desk.

I seemed to detect a reproachful look in the big eyes.

I saw before me the scene in the little far-away home when the first tidings of Josiah's marriage fell like a cruel stone into the hitherto placid waters of her life.

I saw her kneeling by her father's chair, while the white-haired, bronzed old man gently stroked the golden head, shaking with silent sobs against his breast.

My remorse was almost more than I could bear.
"I put her aside and took up Hannah--my chosen one.