Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different
way, that here was a moment of important decision. Mrs. Herndon
darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.
"Well, Mr. Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going
to be?"
He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing
the girl's clinging hand.
"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying
himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the
narrow path to the road. A moment the girl's eyes followed him through
the dust cloud, a single tear stealing down her cheek. Only a short
week ago she had utterly despised this man, now he had become truly
more to her than any one else in the wide, wide world. She did not in
the least comprehend the mystery; indeed, it was no mystery, merely the
simple trust of a child naturally responding to the first unselfish
love given it. Perhaps Mrs. Herndon dimly understood, for she came
forth quietly, and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly, within the cool
shadows of the house.