“I have nothing to forgive,” she answered, with a bright smile. “I never felt at all angry toward you, for I knew, when I grew old enough to understand, that your being a very bright boy had, in a measure, spoiled you, and made you just a bit conceited. But I have failed, of late, to find that trait in your character.”
“No,” he said, “because June found it, and compelled me to give it up.”
“Yes,” said June, “and it seemed to be quite an easy matter for him to surrender.”
“But, Guy,” said Zula, “do not forget that although you, in your boyhood days, tore down Zula’s castle, you greatly aided Miss Elsworth in laying the foundation for a more solid structure, and though Zula might sometimes cry out in vexation against you as she did that day, Miss Elsworth will ever feel grateful to the publisher, Guy Horton, for past favors.”
“Scott,” said Mrs. Wilmer, going to him and laying her hand on his arm, “do you mean to tell me that Miss Elsworth and Paul are the same?”
“Yes, mother,” Scott replied, “and the same little gypsy who tried to steal your spoons, because she had been taught to steal and knew she would be punished if she did not.”
“Zula, my dear child, can you ever forgive me?”
Zula placed her arm around Mrs. Wilmer’s neck and imprinting a kiss on her cheek she said:
“Please do not speak of it, Mrs. Wilmer. Your heart 329 was really better than you knew. You were always kind to Paul, and Zula will never forget it. Do not sorrow for the past, but let us live for the love that is before us.”
“Meg,” said Le Moyne, “I can hardly forgive you for your cruelty toward my brother’s child, and only that I know that it is Zula’s wish, do I spare you the full extent of justice that belongs to you. Leave the city and never dare to return. I will attend to your brother John and his mining stock later on.”