“Oh, bother Granny! Peggy, darling—no, you sha’n’t dodge,” as Peggy moved slightly away and stood with head half averted. “I’ve always adored you, always. The first, the very first encouragement you ever gave me was that challenge. I have won, thank God! I know I am not half worthy of you; but I want you so, my darling.” There was no doubting the passionate longing in his low, tense voice. “Peggy—I have come for my reward.”
No answer. A log broke in half in the glowing fire, casting sparks in every direction. Dick drew a long breath and squared his shoulders—so be it, he would go.
As he moved slightly, Peggy turned her blushing face, and the alluring eyes twinkled at him for a second.
“Why don’t you take your reward?” she whispered.
THE END
Transcriber’s Notes:
On page 39, the word “be” has been added to the phrase “will used against you.”
On page 70, half-past has been changed to half past.
On page 157, hatpin has been changed to hat-pin.
On page 159, door jamb has been changed to door-jamb.