"So we both might be happier in the end."
At his words she looked away again.
"Yes," she repeated slowly—"so we both might be happier in the end. Won't you try?" she asked eagerly, after the moment's silence that ensued.
He did not answer her at once. Then suddenly he flapped the reins upon the horse's back and touched the sleek animal with the whip.
"Gad! I will!" he exclaimed. And looking at her he saw a mist in her eyes, and that she had drawn her lower lip between her teeth, which were white upon it.
Moved by her emotion he asked, gently:
"Are you glad?"
"Oh, so glad!" she answered, and there was a tremor in her voice. "I know you'll win," she went on after a moment. "I know, at least you'll make the effort, for you've promised me. You always keep your promises to me, don't you, Jack?"
He laughed lightly. "I couldn't do otherwise," he said. "I couldn't if I tried."
He felt her hand upon his arm, and his heart at that moment filled to overflowing with love for her....