"That is only to remind us of what humanity must pass through," said Jack. "The bloom of youth is upon us, we are now in the springtime of our lives, fresh and gay; but the great hot summer of time must pass over our heads to wither us as the summer sun has withered and drooped the sweet little flowers. The cold winters of time must pass over us to silver the golden curls and gray the hair as the summer sun has given a golden tint to those once green leaves yonder." "Oh, Jack, must it be so?" "Do not look so sorrowful over it, child. Life is life, and must be lived out in accordance with the will of the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. See how beautiful the golden-tinted leaves appear in the last hours of their lives. They have done their duty, and the reward is theirs; they toil no more, but man, who is born of woman, is of few days and full of sorrow." "While it seems that all is night to the poor woman whom God has seen fit to place here as a helpmeet to man." "You are looking through the darkness to-day, Nora." "There seems no light, Jack." "Yet it will break in on you, my child, when you are least expecting it." "Then there will be other things to worry over." "My little fairy," said Wade, "you were not born to worry. Cease. It makes you thin; you must not worry any more." "How can I help it, Jack? I must worry while conditions are as they now are in the valley. I fear lest Dad shall be killed, I fear lest Tom shall be picked from his saddle, and I--I even fear lest you might not be with us long. You must know that you have been a great salvation to this country, in one sense, and in another----" "What! you hesitate?" "If you should die," said Nora slowly, "why, life would not be worth much to some." "And to you, Nora?" "Without you all would be dark." "Nora!" "Yes, Jack. You are the only person who ever awakened within my soul a sensation akin to joy. Your big heart has won my esteem, and--and----" Nora hung her head shyly, as she told what had been in her heart for some time. "Your love is not in vain," said Wade. They had now reached the brook, and were dismounting. "Let us seal our love right here, under this tree," said Wade, and he impressed a kiss upon her sweet forehead. A quiet flush covered her face, and she was very happy.