"And that?"
"Is love. I've held it too high and holy a word to speak lightly. I shall tell but one woman that I love her——"
She looked at him tenderly:
"You glorious, foolish boy!"
Pale and trembling he took her hand, led her to a seat and sank on his knees by her side.
"I love you, Betty!" he gasped. "I've loved you from the moment we met, tenderly, madly, reverently. I've been afraid to touch your hand lately lest you feel the pounding of my heart and know. And now it's come—this hour when I must say I love you and good-bye in the same breath! Be gentle and sweet to me. I'm afraid to ask if you love me. It's too good to be true. I'm not worthy to even touch your little hand—and yet I'm daring to hold it in mine——"
He paused and bowed his head, overcome with emotion.
Betty gently pressed his trembling fingers. Her voice was low.
"I'm proud of your love, Ned. It's very beautiful——"
"But you don't love me?" he groaned.