"Thee—thee saved my life, Richard. I was wicked to forget that for a moment. Will thee forgive me?"
"I'll forgive you only as you will let me become the most devoted brother a girl ever had, for I love and respect you, Adah, very, very much."
Tears rushed into the warm-hearted girl's eyes. She put her arms around my neck and kissed me. "Let this seal that agreement," she said, "and I'll be thy sister in heart as well as in name."
"How kind and good you are, Adah!" I faltered. "You are growing like your mother now. When you come to New York you will see how I keep my word," and I hastened away.
Mr. Yocomb intercepted me in the path.
"How's this? how's this?" he cried.
"I must go to New York at once," I said. "Mrs. Yocomb will explain all. I have a message for Mr. Hearn. Please say that I will meet him at any time, and will give any explanations to which he has a right. Good-by; I won't try to thank you for your kindness, which I shall value more and more every coming day."
For a long time we rode in silence, Reuben looking as grim and lowering as his round, ruddy face permitted.
At last he broke out, "Now, I say, blast Emily Warren's grandfather!"
"No, Reuben, my boy," I replied, putting my arm around him, "with all his millions, I'm heartily sorry for Mr. Hearn."