Then he raised it and faced Jill, a new light in the blue eyes.

"I love you so," his voice rang, "that, if I thought it were better for you to go away right out of your life, I believe now I could do it, Jill. But I don't. I know I'd make you happy!"

He saw a quiver cross her face, and breathlessly he leaned toward her.

"Don't you care? Tell me, Jill. Couldn't you learn to care ... a little?"

Slowly the girl raised her eyes. He saw that they were wet with tears.

"I've loved you all my life," she said.

A cry broke from him. He slipped down on his knees before her, arms outstretched.

"Jill! ... My darling! What do you mean?"

Into the beautiful childish face came a tenderness he had never known—the dream come true ... the "dream of his life."

"I suppose—I must marry you," said Jill.