"She had to be begged powerful," said the visitor. "I never in all my life heard such pleading. Part of the time he’d scold her and reproach her with not caring for him like he did for her. Then he’d accuse her of being suspicious of him, even when he was trying his level best to help her out of trouble. Finally, he got to talking about how folks died, slow-like, from cancers, and what her real duty was to her mother. It was then that she give in. I know she did, though I didn’t hear what she said, for he laughed out sudden, and gladlike, and I heard him kiss her and begin over again, about how happy they were going to be and the like. I reckon, Ann, he really _does_ mean to marry her." "I reckon so," Ann said. "I reckon so. Such things have been known to happen." "Well, we’ll wait and see what comes of it," said Mrs. Waycroft. "Anyway, Jane will get her cancer-money, and that’s all she cares for. They say she’s in agony day and night, driving Virginia distracted. I’m sorry for that pore little thing. I don’t like her mammy, for treating you as she has so long and persistent, but I can’t hold Virginia accountable." Ann shrugged her broad shoulders. There was a twinkling light of dawning triumph in each of her non-committal eyes, and unwonted color in her cheeks, all of which escaped the widow’s notice. "Well, that wasn’t the end," she said, tentatively. "I couldn’t hear any more, Ann. They walked on. I stood up and watched them as they went on through the bushes, arm in arm, towards her home. I’m sure he loves her. Anybody would know it that heard him talk; besides she is pretty—you know that, Ann. She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen anywhere. They looked fine, too, walking side by side. They say he’s a spendthrift and got bad habits, but maybe his folks will be glad to have him settle down with such a sensible girl if she is poor. She’ll keep him straight. I’d rather nothing is said about where Jane’s money is coming from, Ann. That seems to be their secret, and I have no right to circulate it." "I’ll not talk it," Ann said. "It will be safe with me." When the widow had left, Ann became a changed creature in outward appearance. She stood on the porch till her guest had disappeared in the dusk, and then she paced the floor of her sitting-room in a spasm of ecstasy, now and then shaken by a hearty laugh.