"Most irrevocably," he returned grimly. "Her marriage to another makes it even a forbidden hope."
"O, George, how strangely the world adjusts things! I have always dreamed of you being possessed with every earthly joy. You of all men deserve it!" she exclaimed.
"Then give me what is possible, Alma. To do for you and Harold would give me much joy in life, and help me to overcome a living death!" he said earnestly.
"You have suffered so, then?" she asked tenderly, placing her hand on his, affectionately.
"More than seems bearable at times. Will we help one another, Alma? For Harold's sake—will you?"
His fine eyes were eloquently persuasive. She met and seemed to lose what little resisting power she possessed.
"I will, George," she replied simply.
George leaned forward and reverently kissed her brow. Then he held her in his arms protectingly.
"What will Harold say?" said Alma, with a happy thought at the boy's delight.
"He will be satisfied that we belong to the same generation," replied George.