Noiselessly he entered his study and stood for a moment revelling in the sight of the girl of his thoughts, materializing before his amazed eyes. He could hardly believe his senses; the day, the place, were bewitched, and he had been so hungry for--just this! Unconsciously he stretched out his arms and his strong, dark face was flushed; his serious eyes glad and kind. "Little Cyn!" She turned, and her colour faded. Pale, imploring, she almost ran to him. "Sandy!" Now that she had understood and triumphed she could afford to be kind, too, and strong and brave. Something in the frank, unflinching eyes warned Sandy to content himself with the outstretched hands, although the soul of him yearned to hold the girl to him. "You are glad to see me back, lil' Cyn?" The old intonation thrilled the listener, but her eyes held true. "Oh! so glad. 'Tis a mighty empty room you leave, Sandy Morley, when you go away." "Cynthia--I wonder if I dare tell you something?" "Yes." It were better now and over with! "Do you remember that once I made a promise to you, dear?" This was unfortunate, but the girl took it without a quiver of the white lids. "All my life, since manhood came to me, and it came early, little girl, I have lived and dreamed of the hour when--I might keep that promise. I have waited because you seem still a child to me, dear, but I--want you! I want the child of you--I will hold it sacred and win the woman of you by and by. Do you not remember how in those old, old days it was you who taught me, awoke my imagination and--helped me to my own? Dear lil' Cyn--help me now! Help me help these dear people, yours and mine! I need you so, sweetheart, and I will be good to you! Marry me, lil' Cyn, marry me right away and let us go on together! I can do so much for you and yours--sweet----" But Sandy got no farther. The hands in his wrenched themselves free and sought his shoulders. The very frankness and simplicity of the gesture sent a chill to Sandy's heart. "Big, good Sandy!" There was a subtle plea in glance and words. The girlish need was driving the desperate woman back and out of sight. Cynthia could not kill the truth that had been born within her, but she could blind it, stun it and still keep for her own what the childish craving demanded. "Big, good Sandy! Please be my Sandy, like you were a brother. I would be so lonely without you; I would miss this--this dear place mighty bad--but if you say such words, if you forget I am still lil' Cyn, why don't you see--I cannot come up this-er-way any more?" So perfect was the attempt that it took all the girl's pride and strength to hold it. It was a bit overdone and Sandy fell back a step with a memory that Cynthia would never have resurrected had she had her way.