“If she really cares for me she will be conscious of it in time, and I shall know it,� he reflected. “I will not trade upon the service I have done her. I want her love, not her gratitude.� And he set his lips firmly in the resolution not to be betrayed into a renewal of his suit until a more fitting season.
Donald found Tibby sitting dejectedly by the stove, her feet upon the fender and her dimpled chin resting upon her pink, upturned palm, while her eyes studied intently the red coals before her. This was the picture of which he caught a glimpse through the low window as he approached the door. At the sound of his footsteps she sprang up and came forward to meet him, the scarlet flame of the fire blazing in cheek and lip.
“It is so nice of you to come,� she said, giving him her hand in welcome. “You have been so shy of receiving thanks that you have remained away an age.�
“I am glad if it has seemed an age to you,� he answered, smiling. “One likes to have his absence noticed.�
“I didn’t realize how much—how very much I am indebted to you,� she began shyly.
“Don’t, please, Miss Tibby. You know there is no question of debts or credits between friends. I am thankful God gave me strength and direction to find you. It is a serious thing to battle with the elements in the West, Miss Waring.� Donald spoke gently and soberly.
“I realize it now. Can you ever forgive me for my dreadful talk that morning?� Tibby’s lip quivered slightly and she dropped her eyes.
“Why, was it dreadful? I don’t remember it to have been so.�
“And my wilfulness in going against your—advice?� she continued, resolved to finish her confession.
“Ah, that was nothing strange. One could not expect an Eastern born-and-bred maiden to be weather-wise on the prairies or realize the kind of storms we have here until she had some experience with them.�