"Why——" Donelle drew back, her eyes widened.
"Donelle, Donelle, do you think you could hide yourself from me? Why, it was because I saw you that I wanted to live; wanted to make the most of what I had.
"Child, the day you got me out of the chair I was sure! Before that I hoped, prayed; then I knew! I drew the bandage off a little and I saw your eyes."
"My beloved!"
And Donelle, kneeling beside him, raised her face from his breast.
"I am going to kiss you now, Donelle," he said, "but to think that such as I am is the best that life has for you, is——!"
"Don't," she whispered, "don't! Remember the dear Dream of First Joy, my man. I never lost our First Joy. God let me keep her safe."
From across the road came the wild, excited yelps of the released Nick. Slowly, for Nick was old, he padded up the steps, into the room, up to the girl on the floor beside the chair. Donelle pressed the shaggy head to her.
"Nick always has kept First Joy, too," she whispered. And oh, but her eyes were wonderful.
"And you'll play again for me, Donelle?" Norval still held her, though he heard Law and Mam'selle approaching.