Trenholm shook his head. “We will never know, but I imagine it was some sixth sense which warned him of danger to the diamond—the gem seemed to exert a remarkable influence over him. Poor Paul!” Trenholm sighed. “His extraordinary will-power triumphed over physical disability and gave him strength to reach the sitting room.”
Miriam’s eyes filled with tears. “I cannot shake off a sense of responsibility for the tragedy—”
“Nonsense!” Trenholm spoke with the vehemence characteristic of him. “Never think that.”
Miriam’s smile did not dispel the shadow which saddened her expression.
“It is good-by, Mr. Trenholm,” she said, holding out her hand. “I leave for Washington early to-morrow.”
Trenholm’s hand closed over hers with a pressure that hurt.
“Good-by,” he repeated mechanically. “No, I can’t let you go out of my life; for you have become all in all to me.” As he met the gaze of her lovely eyes, his set speech, which he had rehearsed again and again while waiting to see her, flew out of his mind.
“Miriam, I have only love to offer—” His clear voice faltered. For a second they gazed steadfastly at each other, and the old, old story which never grows old was told again as Trenholm clasped Miriam to his heart and her lips met his in unconditional surrender.
THE END
The greatest pleasure in life is that of reading. Why not then own the books of great novelists when the price is so small