It would be a shame to him to set his foot on any other threshold before he had spoken to her.

To her his first spare hours belonged.
Derry returned from his visit to his child with his heart more than ever full of love to his darling.

She had received his letter, and rejoiced over it with great joy, declaring that not a treasure she possessed was so precious.

Derry had allowed himself but the usual short interview, ever trembling lest he should mar her delight in her father by some knowledge of the wild life he had led.

Yet, when he laid his hand on her head at parting, he could not resist speaking the fervent "God bless you, darling," which stirred at his heart.
She had clasped and kissed his hand with a sudden gladness, as if such words from him were both a joy and a surprise.