y talking,
and walked along the path between the rose bushes that led to the
gate. She knew Richard must be coming when she saw Betty, who sat
where she could glance now and then down the road, drop her sewing and
hurry away through the house and off toward the spring. As Larry knew
the heart of a man, so Mary Ballard knew the heart of a girl. She said
nothing, but quietly strolled along and waited with her hand on the
gate.

"I wanted to be the first to open the gate to you, Richard," she said,
as he approached her with extended arms. Silently he drew her to him
and kissed her. She held him off a moment and gazed into his eyes.

"Yes, I'm the same boy. I think that was what you said to me when I
entered the army--that I should come back to you the same boy? I've
always had it in mind. I'm the same boy."

"I believe you, Richard. They are all out on the front porch, and
Bertrand is with them--if you wish to see him--first--and if you wish
to see Betty, take the path at the side, around the house to the
spring below the garden."

Betty stood with her back to the house under the great Bartlett pear
tree. She was trembling. She would not look around--Oh, no! She would
wait until he asked for her. He might not ask for her! If he did not,
she would not go in--not yet. But she did look around, for she felt
him near her--she was sure--sure--he was near--close--

"Oh, Richard, Richard! Oh, Richard, did you know that I have been
calling you in my heart--so hard, calling you, calling you?"

She was in his arms and his lips were on hers. "The same little Betty!
The same dear little Betty! Lovelier--sweeter--you wore a white dress
with little green sprigs on it--is this the dress?"

"Yes, no. I couldn't wear the same old one all this time." She spoke
between laughing and crying.

"Why is this just like it?"

"Because."

He held her away and gazed at her a moment. "What a lovely reason!
What a lovely Betty!" He drew her to him again. "I heard it all--there
in the court room. I was there and heard. What a load you have borne
for me--my little Betty--all this time--what a load!"

"It was horrible, Richard." She hid her flaming face on his breast.
"There, before the whole town--to tell every one--everything.
I--I--don't even know what I said."

"I do. Every word--dear little Betty! While I have been hiding like a
great coward, you have been bravely bearing my terrible burden,
bearing it for me."

"Oh, Richard! For wee