Hermione flushed deeper still and caught her breath.
"Oh, Hermy," said a soft, pleading little voice, "won't you see me, please?"
Hermione started, her long lashes drooped suddenly, and then—then, forgetful of costly lace, of dainty ruffles and ribbons, she was on her knees and had the child close in her arms. And beholding the clasp of those round, white arms, the lovely, down-bent head, and all the tender, craving, inborn motherhood of her, Ravenslee held his breath, and into his eyes came a light of reverent adoration.
Presently he rose and left them together, but as he went, the light was in his eyes still.
CHAPTER XL
CONCERNING A HANDFUL OF PEBBLES
"And so," said Hermione, as she waved good-by to Hazel, who stood in the cottage doorway with Mrs. Bowker—a Mrs. Bowker no longer faded, "you didn't forget even the doll that says 'Mamma'?"
"It was such a little thing!" he answered.
"What a—man you are!" she said softly.