Worthy? Could mortal man be so blind? Was this calm, kindly friendship to be all that he could offer her starving heart? Her lonely childhood, her mother’s cruel neglect had reached their culmination. Was this man, who had protected her in her hour of need, who had won her heart by his chivalry and courage in the face of adversity, to pass out of her life? She raised her eyes, and had Curtis been able to read their longing appeal, his stubborn pride would have yielded.
Anne rose slowly to her feet and rested both hands upon his shoulders.
“Dave,” she whispered, with lips that trembled even as she smiled, “I can’t release you from your promise, because—” she faltered, “because—”
He was holding her in close embrace. At last barriers of false pride were set aside.
“My dear, dear Anne,” he stammered. “Tell me, sweetheart, because—”
“I love you,” and Anne, glancing shyly upward into his transfigured face, knew that she had reached her happy haven at last.