They both laughed at that, but a moment later were serious as he said, "Just the same, Phœbe, it seems presumptuous for a maimed man to ask a girl like you to marry him. You are beautiful and you have a wonderful voice—and you've done such wonderful things for Mother Bab and me. You have sacrificed so much——"
"Stop, David!" she cried, her voice ominously tearful. "David, don't hurt me like that! Do you love me?"
"I do." His words had all the solemnity of a marriage vow.
"You know I love you?"
"I do."
"Then, David, can't you see that we love each other not only in prosperity but in misfortunes as well?"
"What a big heart you have, dear, what a woman's heart! I have two wonderful women in my life, Mother Bab and you."
Phœbe felt the delicacy and magnitude of the tribute. "I'm happy, Davie," she said softly. "I feel so safe with you—no doubts, no fears."
"Just love," he added.
"Just love," she repeated.