“And by your help, I dare say,” added his wife.
“I hope so. I know but one thing that seems to me more worth while than the purpose of helping Dick Percival to be what it is in him to be.”
“And what is that other better thing?”
“You arrant fraud! Do you need to ask?” he said, laughing.
“Well, comfort yourself. You are to go on fulfilling your two purposes in life—you and I together.”
“I pray we may. I believe we shall,” answered her husband earnestly.
“I know we shall, doubting Thomas. I’m one of the women who are strong in unreasoning faith.”
They stood silently smiling at each other for a moment.
“Shall we celebrate the beginning of home with pomp and music?” she asked. “There’s a little time before dinner. Make yourself comfortable. Push Mrs. Percival up to the fire.”
“Mrs. Percival!” Ellery exclaimed, dropping his guilty arm and looking about in a startled manner.