"I would not ask it," he said very low, while the sudden hope rushed into his heart and face at once, that now might be the time for Christina's answer.
"Have I waited long enough, dear?" he asked, his voice trembling strangely. "Could you give me hope now?"
"Dear Walter!" she said, laying her soft hand on his for an instant. "How patient and kind you have been."
He looked in her face questioningly, and their eyes met: hers, still dewy with tears; his, strong, faithful, true.
"I must not keep you waiting for ever," she said hesitating; "and if you care so much still—why—Walter, I shall miss you dreadfully when you go."
"Christina!" he exclaimed. "Then you will?"
"Yes," she answered; "you have been so very good to me."
* * * * * *
"The nurse is ready, ma'am," said Ellen, opening the door a few minutes after.
"Then fetch Margaret too, I want her to see the little baby. Look, Ellen, shall we not all long to put some colour into these thin little cheeks?"