rns. There's no sensation more delightful than that of looking at a
good day's work, and thinking that every line and word has brought me
nearer to you.'

His tenderness conquered her shyness, and she nestled closer still,
looking up at him with a wholehearted admiration and affection. He felt
a little sad and unworthy under it, as almost any honest fellow would
have been sure to do, and yet it was wonderfully sweet to him, and more
than reward enough for any effort.

'I wish I could help you, Phil. I wish I could do something for you,
when you have given up so much for me.'

'Hush!' he said, laying his hand lightly upon her lips. 'We made up our
minds long ago that no more was to be said about that.' He was tender
still--he could be nothing else with her--but there was a touch of
sternness in his manner, too--as if the theme pained him.

'But I can't help thinking of it. It was so noble of you, Phil.'

'It was the only thing to be done--the only thing possible. It was----'
he paused for a second, and then went on resolutely--'it was my father's
act by which you suffered. I should have been a scoundrel if I had done
otherwise.'

'And are you to do all? and am I to do nothing? It is selfish to keep
all the generosity to yourself.'

He laughed as if he found this female paradox a pleasant fancy, but she
was not to be put off so.

'If the subject pains you, as I know it does, dear, please understand
why I speak of it I don't want you to think I take your sacrifice as you
pretend to take it. It isn't a matter of course, as you pretend it is;
and you may say what you like, Phil, but it isn't a thing that everybody
would have done. Don't grudge me my gratitude; you did it for the love
of me.'

'I didn't do it for the love of you,' said Phil, laughing tenderly; 'how
often am I to tell you that, you little mountain of obstinacy? I did it
because it was the right thing. I don't say, mind you, that it wasn't
easier to do it for you than it might have been for somebody I didn't
know or care for; but that--as you will see quite clearly if you'll
bring your naturally logical mind to bear upon it--makes the thing so
much the less creditable, provided there was any credit due to it at
all.'

The loving feminine scorn of this masculine process of reasoning was
expressed in a single glance, and was delightful to see.

'It only means waiting a little longer before I claim you.'

The girl would fain have asked, 'Why should