. It isn't life--without you. Well,
dearest, it needn't be much longer. We closed the deal this afternoon. I
came down here to see the place, and--incidentally--to see you!"

More silence.

"I shall turn over the store at once. It won't take long to move and
settle; there's enough money over to do that. And the ranch pays,
Diantha! It really _pays,_ and will carry us all. How long will it take
you to get out of this?"

"Get out of--what?" she faltered.

"Why, the whole abominable business you're so deep in here. Thank God,
there's no shadow of need for it any more!"

The girl's face went white, but he could not see it. She would not
believe him.

"Why, dear," she said, "if your ranch is as near as that it would be
perfectly easy for me to come in to the business--with a car. I can
afford a car soon."

"But I tell you there's no need any more," said he. "Don't you
understand? This is a paying fruit ranch, with land rented to advantage,
and a competent manager right there running it. It's simply changed
owners. I'm the owner now! There's two or three thousand a year to be
made on it--has been made on it! There is a home for my people--a home
for us! Oh, my beloved girl! My darling! My own sweetheart! Surely you
won't refuse me now!"

Diantha's head swam dizzily.

"Ross," she urged, "you don't understand! I've built up a good business
here--a real successful business. Mother is in it; father's to come
down; there is a big patronage; it grows. I can't give it up!"

"Not for me? Not when I can offer you a home at last? Not when I show
you that there is no longer any need of your earning money?" he said
hotly.

"But, dear--dear!" she protested. "It isn't for the money; it is the
work I want to do--it is my work! You are so happy now that you can do
your work--at last! This is mine!"

When he spoke again his voice was low and stern.

"Do you mean that you love--your work--better than you love me?"

"No! It isn't that! That's not fair!" cried the girl. "Do you love your
work better than you love me? Of course not! You love both. So do I.
Can't you see? Why should I have to give up anything?"

"You do not have to," he said patiently. "I cannot compel you to marry
me. But now, when at last--after these awful years--I can really offer
you a home--you refuse!"

"I have not refused," she said slowly.

His voice lightened again.

"Ah, dearest! And you will not! You will marry me?"

"I will marry you, Ross!"