"But I have taken such pains with my hands for you! You said they were handsome; are they?"
I kissed them.
He was so spare, and brown, and his hair was quite gray! Even his mustache looked silvery.
"Two years to-day since I have worn the watch, Desmond."
He took one exactly like it from his pocket, and showed me the inscription inside.
"And the ruby ring, on the guard?"
"It is gone, you see; you must put one there now."
"Forgive me."
"Ah, Cassy! I couldn't come till now. You see what battles I must have had since I saw you. It took me so long to break my cursed habits. I was afraid of myself, afraid to come; but I have tried myself to the utmost, and hope I am worthy of you. Will you trust me?"
"I am yours, as I always have been."