From the moment his heart had opened toward Eve her image seemed to be associated with these hitherto undefined longings: by the light of her love, of her presence, her companionship, all that had been vague seemed to take shape and grow into an object which was real and a purpose to be accomplished; so that now one of the sharpest pricks from the thorn of disappointment came of the knowledge that this hope was shattered and this dream must be abandoned. And, lost in moody retrospection, Adam sat stabbing desire with the sword of despair. "Let me be! let me be!" he said in answer to some one who was trying to rouse him. "Adam, it's me: do look up;" and in spite of himself the voice which spoke made him lift his head and look at the speaker. "Adam, I'm so sorry!" and Eve's face said more than her words. "You've nothing to be sorry for," returned Adam sullenly. "I want you to forgive me, Adam," continued Eve. "I've nothing to forgive." "Yes, you have;" and a faint flush of color came into her cheeks as she added with hesitating confusion, "You know I didn't mean you to take what I said as you did, Adam; because"--and the color suddenly deepened and spread over her face--"because I do care for you--very much indeed." Adam gave a despondent shake of his head. "No, you don't," he said, steadily averting his eyes; "and a very good thing too. I don't know who that wasn't forced to it would willingly have anything to do with such a God-forsaken place as this is. I only know I'm sick of it, and of myself and my life, and everything in it." "Oh, Adam, don't say that--don't say you're sick of life. At least, not now;" and she turned her face so that he might read the reason. "And why not now?" he asked stolidly. "What have I now that I hadn't before?" "Why, you've got me." "You? You said you couldn't give me the love I asked you for." "Oh, but I didn't mean it. What I said was because I felt so hurt that you should suspect me as you seemed to." "I never suspected you--never meant to suspect you. All I wanted you to know was that I must be all or nothing." "Of course; and I meant that too, only you--But there! don't let's drift back to that again;" and as she spoke she leaned her two hands upon his shoulders and stood looking down. "What I want to say is, that every bit of love I have is yours, Adam. I am afraid," she added shyly, "you had got it all before ever I knew whether you really wanted it or not." "And why couldn't you tell me that before?" he said bitterly. "Why, is it too late now?" asked Eve humbly.