He raised his head and took her hand in his again.
"It's very sweet to have you share this ugly secret of my life, little pal. It will help me."
"And you are sorry you ever knew her, Jim?"
"No, I'm not sorry. You see, dearie, there's just one thing even God can't do—create a human character. He can only give us a will—the spark from his own soul. We must do the rest. I've grown to see that there's just one thing in the world that's really big—big as God is big—the man who has attained a character. I haven't lived at all yet. I'm just beginning to see what it means to live. Until now I've thought only of myself. A new light has illumined the way. Now—I'm going to live for others. From to-day I shall ask nothing for myself, and I can never be disappointed again."
Harriet looked up quickly.
"Would it please you, Jim, if I should make a great singer?"
"More than I can tell you, dear. Your voice is a divine gift. I envy you its power."
Her eyes were shining with a great purpose.
"I know that it means years and years of patient work—but I'll do it," she cried.
Stuart rose and pressed her hand to his lips. She wondered if he could feel it tremble beneath the pounding of her heart.