The sick girl was so surprised that she uttered a cry of joy. Her blue eyes lighted with pleasure.
“Oh, I am so glad!” she exclaimed impulsively.
Mrs. Scruggs went quietly out. He knelt down by her side and kissed her little hands with the ardor of a younger lover.
Yes, all his prudent resolves had melted before his joy at seeing her again, and his pity for her suffering. Gently, so as not to startle her from him, he told her of his love, and begged her to be his wife.
“I am old enough to be your father, I know; but my heart is young, and, then, I could take such good care of you, my darling,” he said.
“Oh, you are too good to me, and I—I could not love you enough,” she faltered.
“I would teach you to love me,” he answered. And she had such a deep regard for him that it seemed to her that it would be very easy to learn that lesson.
CHAPTER XIV.
A SECOND MARRIAGE.
San Diego had a sensation when Colonel Falconer, the rich Southerner, married the beautiful young typewriter within a few days after his return from San Francisco.
He had pleaded for an early marriage, and she, after some hesitancy, had consented.