ound, looked at her with a
radiant face as he said, drawing a long breath, "At last! You were so
busy over the dear man, I got no word. But I can wait I'm used to it."

Rose stood quite still, surveying him with a new sort of reverence in
her eyes, as she answered with a sweet solemnity that made him laugh and
redden with the sensitive joy of one to whom praise from her lips was
very precious: "You forget that you are not the Mac who went away. I
should have run to meet my cousin, but I did not dare to be familiar
with the poet whom all begin to honor."

"You like the mixture, then? You know I said I'd try to give you love
and poetry together."

"Like it! I'm so glad, so proud, I haven't any words strong and
beautiful enough to half express my wonder and my admiration. How could
you do it, Mac?" And a whole face full of smiles broke loose as Rose
clapped her hands, looking as if she could dance with sheer delight.

"It did itself, up there among the hills, and here with you, or out
alone upon the sea. I could write a heavenly poem this very minute, and
put you in as Spring you look like her in that green gown with snowdrops
in your bonny hair. Rose, am I getting on a little? Does a hint of fame
help me nearer to the prize I'm working for? Is your heart more willing
to be won?"

He did not stir a step, but looked at her with such intense longing that
his glance seemed to draw her nearer like an irresistible appeal, for
she went and stood before him, holding out both hands, as if she offered
all her little store, as she said with simplest sincerity: "It is not
worth so much beautiful endeavor, but if you still want so poor a thing,
it is yours."

He caught her hands in his and seemed about to take the rest of her, but
hesitated for an instant, unable to believe that so much happiness was
true.

"Are you sure, Rose very sure? Don't let a momentary admiration blind
you I'm not a poet yet, and the best are but mortal men, you know."

"It is not admiration, Mac."

"Nor gratitude for the small share I've taken in saving Uncle? I had my
debt to pay, as well as Phebe, and was as glad to risk my life."

"No it is not gratitude."

"Nor pity for my patience? I've only done a little yet, and I am as far
as ever from being like your hero. I can work and wait still longer if
you are not sure, for I must have all or nothing."

"Oh, Mac! Why will you be so doubtful? You said you'd make me love
you, and you've done it. Wil