because I love you. If you
could forget the other and love this one it seems
as though I should be glad even in heaven, but if
you do not feel that way when you see her, John,
don't mind my writing this letter, for it pleased
me much to play this little trick upon you before
I left; and the dear girl must never know--unless
indeed you love her--and then I do not care--for I
know she will forgive me for writing this silly
letter, and love me just the same.

"Dear boy, just as we never liked to say good-bye
when you went away to college, but only 'Au
revoir,' so there won't be any good-bye now, only
I love you.

"YOUR MOTHER."

Hazel was weeping softly when they finished the letter, and there were
tears in the eyes of the son, though they were glorified by the smile
that shone upon the girl as he folded the letter and said:

"Wasn't that a mother for a fellow to have? And could I do anything else
than give myself when she gave all she had? And to think she picked out
the very one for me that I loved of all the world, and sent her out to
me because I was too set in my way to come back after her. It is just as
if my mother sent you down as a gift from heaven to me, dear!" and
their lips met once more in deep love and understanding.

The sun was almost setting now, and suddenly the two became aware that
night was coming on. The Indian would be returning and they must plan
what to do.

Brownleigh rose and went to the door to see if the Indian were in sight.
He was thinking hard and fast. Then he came back and stood before the
girl.

"Dear!" he said, and the tone of his voice brought the quick colour to
her cheeks; it was so wonderful, so disconcerting to be looked at and
spoken to in that way. She caught her breath and wondered if it were not
a dream after all. "Dear," another of those deep, searching looks, "this
is a big, primitive country and we do things in a most summary way out
here sometimes. You must tell me if I go too fast; but could--_would_
you--do you think you love me enough to marry me at once--to-night?"

"Oh!" she breathed, lifting her happy eyes. "It would be beautiful to
never have to leave you again--but--you hardly know me. I am not fitted,
you know. You are a great, wonderful missionary, and I--I am only a
foolish girl