He took her hand in his at last, and said tenderly:
"I've something very important to tell you now, my dear--"
"I'm not afraid--"
"You trust me implicitly?"
"Perfectly--"
"You have given up all for me," he went on evenly, "I'll show your
father what I can do for you--"
"You love me--it's enough."
"No. I have resigned my commission in the army. I have given up my
career. We'll live only for each other now and build our nest in the far
sunny South beyond the frost line."
A little smothered cry was her answer. And then her head slowly sank
with a sob on his breast.
XI
THE FAIRY BELLS
They built their home on the banks of the great river where the tide
sweeps in graceful curve, all but completing the circle of an enchanted
isle.
From the little flower-veiled porch through festoons of lacing boughs
gleamed the waters of the huge curved mirror held by Nature's hand. The
music from the decks of the steamers floated up on the soft air until
music and perfume of flowers seemed one.
In the cool of the morning, on swift, high-bred horses, they rode side
by side along the river's towering bluff and laughed in sheer joy at
their foolish happiness. In the waning afternoon, hand in hand, they
walked the sunlit fields and paused at dusk to hear the songs of slaves.
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