Two weeks had been passed there happily, arranging, sorting and working together. Donnie and Jamie, with their ponies and Juan and Chappo as guides, had explored trails and planned many future adventures. The two old Mexicans were as happy as children, and at night, when they related tales of Mexico, or Chappo told of his captivity among the Apaches, the boys felt that life could hold no more fascinating experiences. Katherine's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of steps. She rose quickly and turned to the open door. A pink Rambler rose in full bloom twined above the porch, and a puff of wind caught the blossoms and showered the fragrant petals over her as she held out her hands to welcome the man she loved. He looked at her with happy eyes and saw--no longer a vague dream--a living, glorious reality, smiling with no shadow on her beautiful face, his Lady of the Pool. The rose leaves fell softly, about them. "See, dearest," he said, "it is a symbol of our future. The roses are shedding their petals on your path, so that not even the tiniest pebble shall bruise your feet!" She smiled at him, her eyes misty with happiness, then together they entered the room, to discuss their plans. "I've got to have a talk with Donnie today," said Powell. "I hope he will understand." They heard the noise of ponies dashing into the stable, the laughter of happy voices. Like a small cyclone, Donnie rushed into the room and faced Powell in boyish delight. "Is the Sanitarium almost done?" he asked breathlessly. "Finished, at last!" Powell's arm was across the lad's shoulder. He smiled into the glowing, upturned face, thankful that it bore no resemblance to Glendon. Donnie was his mother in every feature. "The first children will be here next month!" "I bet they'll get good and well after we have them awhile," prophesied Donnie. "You know, you promised I could be your partner." "Yes, old man! I want you to study so that when you grow up you can work with me. I'm going to take you over to the Springs so you can start your studies very soon. How will that suit you?" The boy's face clouded. He glanced from Powell to his mother. "I can't leave Marmee alone. I'm her Knight, and the only one she's got to look out for her, now." "How about taking her over with us?" suggested Powell. "Oh, will you?" Donnie's face glowed with delight. "Marmee, you will go, won't you?" The doctor laid his hands on the boy's shoulders and looked at him seriously. "Donnie, would you let me be your father, so that I can take care of your mother and you, and we all be partners as long as we live?" The child's startled eyes wandered from the man to the woman. For a brief space he made no reply. Then flinging his arms about his mother's neck, he clung to her in the first pang of renunciation. The eyes that looked at him were very tender.