"I think," he said gently, "that you are both too kind-hearted and impulsive, and that you are undertaking a task which should not be imposed upon you. You offer me a continued home with you after your marriage--but who am I that I should accept such generosity from you? I am not getting younger. Every day robs me of some strength--and my work--such work as I can do--will be of very little use to you. I may suffer from illness, which will cause you trouble and expense,--death is closer to me than life--and why should I die on your hands? It can only mean trouble for you if I stay on,--and though I am grateful to you with all my heart--more grateful than I can say"--and his voice trembled--"I know I ought to be unselfish,--and that the truest and best way to thank you for all you have done for me is to go away and leave you in peace and happiness----" "We should not be happy without you, David!" declared Mary. "Can't you, won't you understand that we are both fond of you?" "Fond of me!" And he smiled. "Fond of a useless old wreck who can scarcely earn a day's wage!" "That's rather wide of the mark, David!" said Reay. "Mary's not the woman--and I'm sure I'm not the man--to care for any one on account of the money he can make. We like you for yourself,--so don't spoil this happiest day of our lives by suggesting any separation between us. Do you hear?" "I hear!"--and a sudden brightness flashed up in Helmsley's sunken eyes, making them look almost young--"And I understand! I understand that though I am poor and old, and a stranger to you,--you are giving me friendship such as rich men often seek for and never find!--and I will try,--yes, I will try, God helping me,--to be worthy of your trust! If I stay with you----" "There must be no 'if' in the case, David!" said Mary, smiling up at him. He stroked her bright hair caressingly. "Well, then, I will put it not 'if,' but as long as I stay with you," he answered--"as long as I stay with you, I will do all I can to show you how grateful I am to you,--and--and--I will never give you cause"--here he spoke more slowly, and with deliberate emphasis--"I will never give you cause to regret your confidence in me! I want you both to be glad--not sorry--that you spared a lonely old man a little of your affection!"