The big girl nodded dumbly. Her heart was throbbing painfully, the breath labored in her lungs. A trembling set up along her muscles, and the stars seemed to dance on the black velvet of the sky.
She was more conscious of that arm on her shoulder than she had ever been of anything in all her life. Its magnetic touch thrilled her to her fingertips.
Gently Fair leaned down until his face was against her cheek, tightened his clasp.
“I have been all over this land of ours,” he said presently, “and in some several others. I have met many women—of many classes. I have been no saint and no great sinner. But always in my secret heart there has been a place all swept and garnished—and empty, Nance.
“That place—a holy spot, a shrine, if you will—most men would know what I mean—has been waiting—empty—all my life—because I never found the woman who fitted it. For its light there was no face to shine on, for its cool spaces no eyes to look down, for its marble floors no white feet to adore. Can you see what I mean, Nance, dear? It was the inner core of my heart, the veritable altar of my soul without a priestess.
“Since the day in Blue Stone Cañon when I first beheld you rocking the child in your lap—this secret place has been gloriously full. Nance—Nance—I have been like a worshipper without, laying my forehead to the sill. All the things I have dreamed of I find in you—the strength, the sweetness, the courage. You are beautiful as few women in this world are beautiful—and you are too good for any man. But I—have dared to love you.”
He ceased and turned his lips against her cheek.
For Nance Allison the stars were singing together at the dawn of creation, the glory of the spheres had appeared before her.
“Answer me, girl,” said Brand Fair tremulously, “tell me what’s in your heart.”
“I—I——” said Nance, “I—think it is the light from the open gates of Paradise—the smile of God Himself—because I am so happy!”