Margot blushed, and cast down her eyes.
"I'm satisfied, too!" she said shyly. "Much more than satisfied--and
Ron is enraptured. Have you seen him? He said he was coming to see you
first thing this morning!"
"Have I seen him, indeed? I should think I had! I thought I should
never get rid of the boy. I told him straight that the magazine comes
first to me, and that not even a prospective sister-in-law--with
dimples!--could induce me to accept a line for publication otherwise
than on its own merits. But the boy has power. I can't tell yet how
far it may go, but it's worth encouraging. When he gave me his
manuscript book to read I was struck by one fragment, and wrote it out
in shorthand, to publish as a surprise to you both. I like the lad, and
will be glad to help him so far as it is in my power. I can give him a
small post in this office, where at least he will be in the atmosphere;
but after that his future rests with himself. What he writes that is
worth publishing, I will publish, but it will be judged on its merits
alone, and without any remembrance of his private associations. He will
have his chance!"
He put out his hands and held her gently by the elbows, smiling at her
the while with the kindliest of smiles.
"Now are you satisfied, little girl? From the moment that you looked at
me with her eyes, and asked my help, I have had no better wish than to
give it. I did not set about it quite in your own way, perhaps, but the
end is the same. Don't trouble any more about the lad, but let me
smooth the way with your father, while you devote yourself to George.
His happiness is in your hands. Be good to him! He looks upon you as
an angel from heaven! Be an angel for his sake! He sees in you
everything that is good, and pure, and womanly. Be what he believes!
Humanly speaking, his life is yours, and these little hands will draw
him more strongly than any power in the world. It's a big
responsibility, little girl, but I am not afraid! I know a good woman
when I see one, and can trust George to your care. You will be very
happy. I wonder if in the midst of your happiness you will sometimes
remember--a lonely man?"
Margot twisted herself quickly from his grasp, and her arms stretched
out and encircled his neck. She did not speak, but her lips, pressed
against his cheek, gave an assurance more eloquent than words.