eeze
had dispelled the heat of the September afternoon, and the hills were
already beginning to don their gorgeous apparel after the summer's
drouth; their wonderful beauty struck him anew and steeped his senses
with their charm.

If only all was well with his wife--his wife and his little son! His
heart beat so madly as he neared the thicket of laurel where once he had
stood to watch her moving about his cabin, that he was forced to pause;
and again he saw her, standing in her homespun dress, strongly relieved
against the whiteness of the canvas room beyond--but this time not
alone-- Ah, not alone! Holding his little son in her arms, her body
swaying with rhythmic motion, lulling him to drowsiness and sleep, she
stooped to lay him in the rude little cradle box.

David trembled as he watched, and dashed the tears from his eyes, but
could not move to break too soon this breathless, poignant spell of
gladness. Suddenly he could wait no longer, but his feet clung to the
earth when he would move, and his mouth went dry. Ah, could he never
reach her? He stood holding out his arms, when, oh, wonder of wonders!
she raised herself and stood as if listening, then, moving swiftly,
walked from the cabin and came to him as if she had heard him call,
although he had made no sound--her arms outstretched to him as were his
to her.

She did not cry out, but with parted lips and radiant, glowing face,
fled to him and was clasped to his heart. She could feel its beating
against her breast, and his silence spoke to her through his eyes, which
saw not her face but her soul; his lips brought the roses to her cheeks
as the sea breezes had done--roses that came and fled and came
again--until at last it was Cassandra who spoke first.

"I want you to see him, David."

"Yes, yes, my wife," was all he said, his eyes on hers, but he did not
move.

"I want you to see our little son, David." A strange pang shot through
his heart. Still he stood, holding her and marvelling at himself. What!
Was it that this young usurper had stolen into his place?

"Love is selfish, dear. Let me recover from one joy before you overwhelm
me with another. First, I must have my own, and know that it is all
mine."

"I don't understand, David. I can't wait. Oh! David--David!"

"You turn my name to music with your tones lingering over it. I had
forgotten how sweet it was."

"But I don't understand, David. Come and see him." And as she drew him
forward, they m