The color deepened in her cheek; but she answered simply, "I never
spoke of it, for words could do no good, and Jamie grieved silently
about it, for he thought it a great sacrifice, though I looked on it
as a sacred duty, and he often wearied himself to show in many
loving ways how freshly he remembered it. My grateful little Jamie."
And her eyes wandered to the green tree-tops tossing in the wind,
whose shadows flickered pleasantly above the child.
"Let me think a little, Bess, before I counsel you. Keep a good
heart and rest assured that I will help you if I can," said Walter,
trying to speak hopefully.
"But you come to tell me something; at least, I fancied I saw some
good tidings in your face just now. Forgive my selfish grief, and
see how gladly I will sympathize with any joy of yours."
"It is nothing, Bess, another time will do as well," he answered,
eager to be gone lest he should betray what must be kept most
closely now.
"It never will be told, Bess,--never in this world," he sighed
bitterly as he went back to his own room which never in his darkest
hours had seemed so dreary; for now the bright hope of his life was
gone.
"I have it in my power to make them happy," he mused as he sat
alone, "but I cannot do it, for in this separation lies my only
hope. He may die or may grow weary, and then to whom will Bess turn
for comfort but to me? I will work on, earn riches and a name, and
if that hour should come, then in her desolation I will offer all to
Bess and surely she will listen and accept.
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