"Peter," she trembled, not in fright but because of her overflowing heart, "you have shown me the wonder of life during this last week. You have taken me by the hand and have led me out of the gray barren land into the flowers and perfume of the orchard. You have done for me as you did for Ben. Why should I be ashamed to say this? I would not measure up to you if I kept silent now and let you go alone. I am not ashamed."
To himself he said,
"God give me courage to stand firm."
"You make it harder for me when you say nothing."
"I must not listen!"
"Don't keep me in the dark," she pleaded. "Don't send me back alone into the dark. It's being alone that hurts."
To himself he said,
"God keep me from telling her. God keep me from letting her know of my love. So it is best."
"Don't you see now?"
Again that phrase of his which had come back through Arsdale's lips to scorch him.