Part 160

“Look here! This last thing ought to tie my tongue, for I owe everything to you. But my tongue won't stay tied--not now, Polly. I don't care if there is somebody else up-country. I ought to care. I ought to respect your--”

She pulled a hand free and put plump fingers on his lips. “There is nobody up-country; there never has been anybody, Boyd,” she whispered.

He took her in his arms, and kissed her, and held her close.

“Will you tell me one thing, now? I know the answer, sweetheart mine, but I want to hear you say it. Why did you give me all your money?”

She put her palms against his cheeks and spoke the words his soul was hungry for:

“Because I love you!”

THE END