“It was only Judge Endicott’s foolish solicitude for my future.
“He may have told you what his own hopes or wishes were, but only in the simple faith of a prophet before his time.”
“It has been a hell on earth these long months,” was Hugh’s response; “and I dared not to hope—I did not know—”
“How weak and fond we women wait
Behind our silken armor—”
whispered the splendid woman whose hand he had covered with burning kisses.
“I have loved you, have worshiped you, and have served you in perfect faith and truth since first I saw your dear face,” was Hugh Conyers’ confession of faith. She was gently paltering with her rebellious heart. She would bring herself to the lines of a clearly defined duty now.
“I must tell you to-night the story of a life. I must swear you to secrecy, my Hugh,” faltered Margaret Cranstoun.
“For the child’s sake, you alone must know every throbbing of my heart!”
He bowed his head in token of that fealty of the soul which she longed for.