Full of hope, full of courage, sure of her progress—and aching with loneliness.
She sat with her head in her hands, and to her ears came suddenly the sound of a familiar step—a well-known voice—the hands and the lips of her lover.
“Diantha!” He held her close.
“Oh, Ross! Ross! Darling! Is it true? When did you come? Oh, I'm so glad! So glad to see you!”
She was so glad that she had to cry a little on his shoulder, which he seemed to thoroughly enjoy.
“I've good news for you, little girl,” he said. “Good news at last! Listen, dear; don't cry. There's an end in sight. A man has bought out my shop. The incubus is off—I can live now!”
He held his head up in a fine triumph, and she watched him adoringly.
“Did you—was it profitable?” she asked.
“It's all exchange, and some cash to boot. Just think! You know what I've wanted so long—a ranch. A big one that would keep us all, and let me go on with my work. And, dear—I've got it! It's a big fruit ranch, with its own water—think of that! And a vegetable garden, too, and small fruit, and everything. And, what's better, it's all in good running order, with a competent ranchman, and two Chinese who rent the vegetable part. And there are two houses on it—two. One for mother and the girls, and one for us!”
Diantha's heart stirred suddenly.