would read my book some day and feel that it belonged to her. It was
so truly hers that I did not think it necessary to write the
dedication page. And she did read the book and she did know--didn't
she?"

He looked down into her face, which had grown paler but infinitely
more lovely.

"David, I didn't dare know. I wanted to think it was so."

"Carey," his voice came deep and strong, his eyes beseeching, "we were
prince and princess in that enchanted land of childish dreams. Will
you make the dream a reality?"

* * * * *

"When, David," she asked him, "did you know that you loved, not the
little princess, but me, Carey?"

"You make the right distinction in asking me when I _knew_ I loved
you. I loved you always, but I didn't know that I loved you, or how
much I loved you, until that night we sat before the fire at the
Bradens'."

"And, David, tell me what mother said that day after the parade?"

"She told me I had her consent to ask you--this!"

"And why, David, did you wait until to-day?"

"The knowledge that you were coming back here to Maplewood brought the
wish to make a reality of another dream--to meet you at the place
where I first saw you--to bring you here, where you clung to me for
the protection that is henceforth always yours. And now, Carey, it is
my turn to ask you a question. When did you first love me?"

[Illustration: "_'Carey, will you make the dream a reality?'_"]

"That first day I met you--here in the woods. My dream and my prince
were always realities to me."

CHAPTER IX

The governor was indulging in the unwonted luxury of solitude in
his private sanctum of the executive offices. The long line of
politicians, office seekers, committees, and reporters had passed,
and he was supposed to have departed also, but after his exit he had
made a detour and returned to his private office.

Then he sat down to face the knottiest problem that had as yet
confronted him in connection with his official duties. An important
act of the legislature awaited his signature or veto. Various pressing
matters called for immediate action, but they were mere trifles
compared to the issue pending upon an article he had read in a
bi-weekly paper from one of the country districts. The article stated
that a petition was being circulated to present to the governor,
praying the pardon and release of Jud Brumble. Then had begun the
great conflict in the mind of