The tone, even more than the words, braced my nerves, and once more there glowed within me a generous courage of the future.
“You are right. I thank you,” I said feelingly. “I have faith in the opportunities.”
“And I have faith—” said Luella. Then she stopped.
“In the man, I hope,” I ventured.
Luella did not answer, but she gave me a look that meant more than words. I was a trifle bewildered, wondering where I stood in the eyes of this capricious young woman, but my speculations were cut short by the coming of Mrs. Knapp.
There was no reservation in her greeting. Whatever lingering doubts of me her mind had held, they had all melted away in the fire of that last journey that had ended the struggle for the life of the boy. As we talked over the events of the month, I found nothing left of the silent opposition with which she had watched my growing friendship with the daughter of the house. At last she cried:
“Oh, I had almost forgotten. Mr. Knapp wishes to see you in his room before you go.”
“I am at his service,” I said, and went at once to the den of the Wolf.
“Ah, Wilton, I find you're not Wilton,” he growled amiably. The loss of his brother had not affected his spirits.
“Quite true,” I said.