Howard’s emotion stirred me deeply.
“Oh, Ray!” I exclaimed. “This is terrible.”
Ray did not seem to hear me. He leaned forward and placed his hand on Howard’s shoulder. His face was pale and quiet.
“Howard,” he said in a low tone, “I am in earnest when I ask you my question. Would you profit by a chance if it were offered you? I mean, would you profit by your hard experience and make a man of yourself if you had the opportunity?”
Howard stopped instantly, and remained breathless for several seconds. He scarce dared believe all that Ray’s words implied.
“Would I profit by it?” he cried, “Yes, yes, yes. If I only had a chance to prove it! Oh, the vows that——”
“I want no vows,” interrupted Ray, speaking quickly. “Your promise is enough.”
Howard looked up, an expression of yearning in his face. Scarcely hoping, yet longing to find encouragement in Ray’s words, he exclaimed:
“Why, Wendell—Ray—Ray—you mean to say——”