"Why, of course I will. And as for forgiving you, I've forgiven you long ago."
The new warmth in his voice brought a bright flush of pleasure to the woman's face.
"Oh, Jack," she began; but stopped, watching with slowly growing amazement whilst the blind man tried to find her outstretched hand.
What was the matter with Jack? Why did he paw the air in that uncertain fashion, instead of grasping the hand she extended to him?
Anxiously she looked at him, unable to fathom his strange action; then took his wavering hand in hers and held it, a great comfort and a new joy springing up within her.
What surer sign of friendship, of love, of deep understanding than a firm hand-grasp?
His bony fingers closed on her slender ones with a grip that made her wince, and a sudden light lit up his dull eyes.
And so they stood for one long minute of time, hand in hand.
The sun played upon them, lighting the woman's hair with sparkles of yellow fire, and warmed the tired bodies with its tender glow, just as the content of this tardy but complete reconciliation warmed their tired souls.