"Your obligations are not so serious as you imagine," Huntington replied with decision; "the only one as yet unpaid is to yourself. Had I not seen this surprising evidence of your latent strength I should not have believed you capable of meeting it; now I do."
"But Marian—the insult my actions gave her—"
"Forgotten, and forgiven,—if forgiveness be required."
"If I could see her once more, and she would listen to me—"
"She is coming here to see you as soon as I tell her you are strong enough."
"Coming here?" he echoed; "I can't believe it! And the girl—can she ever understand?"
"On that point I can reassure you with even greater certainty, for I am to be the substitute bridegroom!"
Hamlen looked at him steadily to make sure he was in earnest.
"You are to marry Miss Thatcher?" he asked deliberately.
"The Gods have been good to me, Hamlen; they have given me the one gift I craved."