"All will be well with us. I no longer doubt it. You must not. I—I am the girl you desire. I will be, always—always. Only be gentle and patient with me—only that—only that."
"How can I take you this way—and keep you—after what I have done?" he stammered. "How can I let your generosity and mercy rob you of what is your due——"
"Love is my due, I think. But only you can give it. And if you withhold it, Jim, I am robbed indeed."
"Your pity—your sweetness——"
"My pity is for myself if you prove unkind."
"I? Unkind! Good God——"
"Oh! He is good, Jim! And He will be. Never doubt it again. And lie down to pleasant dreams. Will you come for me to-morrow at five?"
"Yes."
"And never again distrust yourself or me?"
He drew a deep, unsteady breath.