step forward, but stumbled and nearly fell. He darted
forward and caught her in his strong arms.

"Darling!" he whispered.

Her head rested on his shoulder as it had done that first time the day
at his apartment on Riverside Drive when he asked her to be his wife.
Her pale, weary face was turned upwards, her tired eyes looking
wonderingly into his. Her lips were within his reach, but he resisted
the temptation. It was enough to feel that once more she was safe
within his arms. Slowly she murmured:

"Robert! You did come! You did!"

"Of course I did," he said soothingly, as he stroked her hair
caressingly.

"I'm so happy, dear," she murmured.

"You're not a bit happier than I am," he said, trying to keep back the
tears that were fast filling his own eyes.

"And you came for me!"

"Of course, dear. Did you think I wouldn't?"

"Yes, because I thought I knew you and understood you. But I didn't. I
knew you were fine and big, but you are finer and bigger than ever I
imagined and I adore you for it! Oh, my darling, you came for me!"

He listened, bewildered, not understanding. Gently he said:

"But, dear--I--don't--"

She motioned him to a seat.

"Sit down, sweetheart, and let me sit on your knee, just as I used
to."

"Yes, darling--just as we used to."

He took off his coat, threw it on the sofa and sat on a chair in front
of the table. Virginia, with a cry of delight, jumped on his knee and
threw her arm around his neck.

"Let me snuggle up to you in the way I love," she cried. "Hold me
close--very, very close--and don't say a word--not even one."

Too happy to ask questions, he held her tight in his arms. In a low
voice she murmured:

"I'm so tired, dear. I'm so tired--"

Fondly, tenderly, he caressed her.

"My poor little girl! Come, dear, the machine is outside. We'll go
home at once."

"Not yet--please--I'm too happy. And it's you. It's really, really
you."

"It really is," he smiled.

"Yes," she went on, "I've hoped and longed and prayed that you would
come for me, but I didn't think you would. I imagined that your pride
wouldn't let you."

"My pride?" he echoed, perplexed.

"Yes. You said you wouldn't come unless I sent for you."

Stafford started and stared fixedly at her.

"Virginia!" he exclaimed.

He was about to demand explanations when she interrupted him.

"I'm not reproaching you, dear. I mention it because it makes your
coming all the bigger and finer!" Rising she adde