this is my wife--that by and by she is coming to Dare--and you will
all be kind to her for her own sake and for mine.' And if there is
anything wrong, Gerty, if there is anything you would like altered, I
would have it altered. We have a rude way of life; but every one would
be kind to you. And if the life here is too rough for you, I would go
anywhere with you that you choose to live. I was looking at the houses
in Essex. I would go to Essex, or anywhere you might wish; that need not
separate us at all. And why are you so cold and distant, Gerty? Has
anything happened here to displease you? Have we frightened you by too
much of the boats and of the sea? Would you rather live in an English
county away from the sea? But I would do that for you, Gerty--if I was
never to see a sea-bird again."

And in spite of himself tears rose quickly to his eyes; for she seemed
so far away from him, even as he held her hand; and his heart would
speak at last--or break.

"It was all the winter months I was saying to myself, 'Now you will not
vex her with too much pleading, for she has much trouble with her work;
and that is enough; and a man can bear his own trouble.' And once or
twice, when we have been caught in a bad sea, I said to myself, 'And
what matter now if the end comes?--for perhaps that would only release
her.' But then again, Gerty, I thought of the time you gave me the red
rose; and I said, 'Surely her heart will not go away from me; and I have
plenty to live for yet!'"

Then she looked him frankly in the face, with those beautiful, clear,
sad eyes.

"You deserve all the love a woman can give you, Keith; for you have a
man's heart. And I wish I could make you a fair return for all your
courage, and gentleness, and kindness--"

"Ah, do not say that," he said, quickly. "Do not think I am complaining
of you, Gerty. It is enough--it is enough--I thank God for his mercy to
me; for there never was any man so glad as I was when you gave me the
red rose. And now, sweetheart--now you will tell me that I will put away
all this trouble and have no more fears; and there will be no need to
think of what you are doing far away; and there will be one day that all
the people will know--and there will be laughing and gladness that day;
and if we will keep the pipes away from you, all the people about will
have the pipes, and there will be a dance and a song that day. Ah,
Gerty, you must not think harshly of the people about here. They