But when she saw Arthur she drew back embarrassed.
"I—I—thought you were gone!" she murmured blushingly.
"No," he answered, and took her hand and drew her forward, saying: "Precious, I have been making a confidant of your parents. They know that Ethel has jilted me, and they have been told also how my heart strayed from her to you. I love you still, and they have given me leave to tell you so. Ah, Precious, there is no barrier between us now, and your heart may speak. Can you learn to love me now, or are you ambitious, like Ethel?"
At the name of Ethel the blue eyes flashed, and Precious held out her hand impulsively, exclaiming:
"Ethel has treated you wickedly, cruelly; so why should I deny that I love you, Arthur? I will never forgive her for being so heartless, and I love you the better for all your misfortunes!"
Senator Winans and his wife kindly turned their heads aside just then, for they could not blame Arthur for kissing their charming daughter.
Then he led her to her mother, who embraced her and sighed:
"This is so sudden it cannot be real. Are you sure you love Arthur, my darling?"
"I have loved him ever since he saved my life, mamma; but he belonged to Ethel, and so I tried to overcome my heart. But I am very glad Ethel did not care for him any more, for now I may love him without shame."