cry, drooped for an instant, then
raised a pale, still face, with eyes beginning to darken.

"Dearest, I know now why you are not wearing my mother's ring," said
Gale, steadily and low-voiced.

"Dick, I am not worthy," she replied, and held out a trembling hand
with the ring lying in the palm.

Swift as light Gale caught her hand and slipped the ring back upon the
third finger.

"Nell! Look at me. It is your engagement ring.... Listen. I don't
believe this--this thing that's been torturing you. I know it's a lie.
I am absolutely sure your mother will prove it a lie. She must have
suffered once--perhaps there was a sad error--but the thing you fear is
not true. But, hear me, dearest; even if it was true it wouldn't make
the slightest difference to me. I'd promise you on my honor I'd never
think of it again. I'd love you all the more because you'd suffered.
I want you all the more to be my wife--to let me make you forget--to--"

She rose swiftly with the passionate abandon of a woman stirred to her
depths, and she kissed him.

"Oh, Dick, you're good--so good! You'll never know--just what those
words mean to me. They've saved me--I think."

"Then, dearest, it's all right?" Dick questioned, eagerly. "You will
keep your promise? You will marry me?"

The glow, the light faded out of her face, and now the blue eyes were
almost black. She drooped and shook her head.

"Nell!" exclaimed Gale, sharply catching his breath.

"Don't ask me, Dick. I--I won't marry you."

"Why?"

"You know. It's true that I--"

"It's a lie," interrupted Gale, fiercely. "But even if it's
true--why--why won't you marry me? Between you and me love is the
thing. Love, and nothing else! Don't you love me any more?"

They had forgotten Belding, who stepped back into the shade.

"I love you with my whole heart and soul. I'd die for you," whispered
Nell, with clenching hands. "But I won't disgrace you."

"Dear, you have worried over this trouble till you're morbid. It has
grown out of all proportion. I tell you that I'll not only be the
happiest man on earth, but the luckiest, if you marry me."

"Dick, you give not one thought to your family. Would they receive me
as your wife?"

"They surely would," replied Gale, steadily.

"No! oh no!"

"You're wrong, Nell. I'm glad you said that. You give me a chance to
prove something. I'll go this minute and tell them all. I'll be back
here in less than--"

"Dick,