" He got to his feet suddenly. "I said I'd do
it. You want me to do it. Well, I will!"
She clung to his hand. He turned upon her with an oath on his lips.
The light now struck her face. What he saw there caused him to catch
his breath and to choke back the imprecation.
"I am convinced that you would do it, Tom, for her sake and mine. You
would do it, not because you are weak, but because you are strong. I
am satisfied now."
"Satisfied?" he murmured, wonder-struck.
She arose. "Tom, I am not going to say that I love you. You cannot
expect that. There is a feeling within me, however, that may develop
into something like the old love I once had for you, if you give it
the right kind of encouragement--and care."
"What are you saying to me, Mary?" he cried hoarsely.
"You would have given up your life so that Christine might be happy. I
am willing to do as much, Tom, toward the same end. I will give up the
life I am leading. You want another chance, Tom. Well, you shall have
it. I will go where you go, live where you live."
"Mary!" he gasped.
"Christine said you needed help. Well, I will try to give it to you.
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