The weary watching was ended at last, and there came a day when Shanno's dark-fringed lids opened gently, and the deep blue-grey eyes rested with a look of calm knowledge and conscious love upon the face of her beloved. Percival bent his head upon his hand to hide the tears of joy and gratitude which rushed to his eyes at this first glance of loving recognition, and Primrose drew him gently down, and clasped her wasted arms around his neck. "You here, Percival!" she said in a glad whisper. "Now I can be strong. I have been very ill, have I not, and very weak and sinful, my beloved? But you are strong and brave, and now I am content. It is not very hard, is it, to forgive those we love? And I know you love me dearly--you will try to forgive me when I tell you all?" "Sweetheart," he answered, "I know not what I have to forgive, but if there be aught, let no fear of my displeasure vex your sweet spirit. Tell me nothing now, for you are weak and faint, and I can be patient. By-and-by I will hear gladly all you have to tell me, and my love shall soothe away all your grief." "Yes, by-and-by," said Primrose faintly. "By the shores of the black lake, Percival, where we first met, there you must hear me, and be strong. Where is my mother?" "She rests awhile in her chamber," said Percival, "while I play a nurse's part. Sweetheart, I am glad to be here to catch first the conscious music of this dear voice, and take the first conscious kiss from these sweet lips. I pray you look not troubled at these weak tears; they are shed but in joy and thankfulness. Now rest awhile this golden head upon my breast in silence; so shall you presently greet your mother the more bravely." CHAPTER XXX. RENUNCIATION. "Only the best composed and worthiest heart God sets to act the hardest, constantest part." --SAMUEL.