"So you thought of me—sometimes, then?" Beryl questioned.
"Thought of you!" Martin passionately cried, seizing both of her hands in his. "Day and night during those long terrible years you were never out of my mind. But for the thought of you I would not be here to-day."
He paused suddenly, and the woman standing by his side could feel his form tremble as if shaken by some violent emotion.
"Beryl," came at last low and tense from his lips, "is it too late? You know what I mean. Do you care enough for me to—to——"
"To take up life where we laid it down years ago? Is that what you mean?"
"Yes, that's it, Beryl. Oh, can we?"
"What is there to hinder?" was the quiet response. "Why should we be separated any longer when we mean so much to each other?"
The only reply Martin made was to reach out and enfold Beryl in his arms as she sank into the chair by his side. Her face was close to his, and their lips met. At last the struggle, doubt, and uncertainty were ended. A peace such as they had not known for years came into their hearts. Their lives, like two turbulent streams long parted, were at last reunited, to flow on as one, strong and deep.
For over an hour they sat and talked about the future. Time was as nothing to them now, and they were surprised when the door opened and Nance and Dick entered. Beryl rose instantly to her feet, while a flush mantled her cheeks and brow. But Nance did not notice her agitation, so engrossed was she with her own affairs. Hurrying across the room, she threw her arms about the nurse's neck, and gave her an affectionate kiss. She then knelt by Martin's side, and looked up into his face.
"Daddy, oh, daddy!" she cried, "I am so happy!" Then words failed her, and she hid her blushing face in her hands.