“Do you think that his chance is gone, then—gone for ever? He is still young. Do you think nothing can wipe it out?”
“Why do you ask me? You know it is a thing one cannot outlive. What would it help that you and I were his friends—you and I and father?—for I know it will be so. I would honour him for his wrongs. I would be proud to be his friend. But it would always hurt to feel the sneers and insults levelled at him. Were they never so well hidden, he would know that they were there. But, for that very reason, I would be proud to take his hand before all the world.”
Ansley’s glance kindled with pleasure to see the girl’s earnestness, and, as he looked at her, he thought again of the photo he had seen that night twelve years ago. The honest, fearless look of the child came back to him, and it seemed to him that the woman was that child—and something more.
As they reached the stoep she turned to him, standing on the bottom step, and said gently:
“You will pardon my thoughtless chaff about your melancholy, won’t you? I did not know then, but now I understand.”
“Never speak of it, Miss Grace. I knew you well enough even then to not misinterpret it. However, we have finished with melancholy now, haven’t we? Do you know,” he added, smiling up at her, “that it is past twelve o’clock, and Christmas morning? Let me wish you every happiness and every blessing. I think you deserve them. I told you I thought you had a good influence, and were born to make others happy. Now I am sure of it. I can speak from experience, for I have felt happier to-day than for many a long day past.”
“If I am that, what are you? Why, you are a Christmas-box yourself. Remember, I have taken possession of you, and mean to present you to father to-morrow morning as my Christmas-box. In the meantime you are mine.”
“And right welcome is my fate, my lady. Good-night.” He held her hand lingeringly as he spoke, then slowly bent and touched it with his lips, saying, “Good-night, Gracie, my good angel!”
There was a faint whisper, “Good-night,” and she ran quickly up the steps and disappeared indoors.