“Nay, dear,” she said, with a smile that had something of sadness in it; “I cannot say that I do not care, for I would like every one to honor you, even as I honor you, and I feel assured that they will yet do so; meanwhile we will be as happy as we can be. Ashamed of you I can never be—please do not allow such a thought to enter your mind again.”
“Editha, you were rightly named. Do you know what it means?”
“No; I never even thought to ask if it had a meaning.”
“It means happiness. Who gave it to you?”
“Uncle Richard said that he named me.” Editha answered, with a thoughtful, far-away look in her eyes.
“It must have been an inspiration, for I believe you bring happiness to every one with whom you come in contact,” Earle said, in tones of intense feeling.
“Then you are happy, Earle, in spite of all?” Editha asked, lifting her head and regarding him wistfully.
“My darling—my darling, I cannot tell you how happy; the very best of earth’s treasures should be laid at your feet, if I had them, to testify to it, and I trust the day is not far distant when I shall be able to bring you a goodly measure of them,” he returned, folding her closer.
“You have brought me the most precious one in all the world to-day, Earle—your dear love,” the fair girl answered, softly, and almost awed by the strength and depth of his affection for her.
“Ah! if I did not need to go away!” Earle said, with a sigh.