“But sweetheart you don’t under
stand; I mean today, this minute, as
soon as we can find a minister and
get a license?”
Sweetheart’s eyes deepened.
"And leave my mother so soon!”
she shook her head. "I cannot so
hurt her who has suffered so greatly
for me! We must be patient, Paul,
beloved, until our mother has time
to regain her nerves. She is much
exhausted, deeply upset in her heart.
I must not go from her, so far—to
New York!”
“But we could be married and stay
here, close to her. oarling, if you
like!”
“You mean for always, Paul, or for
but a short time?”
“For always, if you like this smiling
country best. You belong in the sun
shine, Sweetheart; you are part of it!”
“Then.” Sweetheart agreed, but only
after some minutes had been totally
unaccounted for, "why then ”
Footsteps sounded close by, quiet
voices were speaking. The low
branches parted, revealing Mrs. Rey
nolds, Ramon Milana and Frank
Hyatt. One questioning glance, a mo
ment’s hesitation and Sweetheart was
in her mother’s arms.
“I love him,” she whispered; “I love
him!”
“I know,” a mother’s understanding
love answered; “I have seen! Dear
est, I have sent for your father to
come to us. Will you speak to him?”
Sweetheart held out a hand, and
Ramon kissed it reverently.
“Ramon,” Cynthia said, "Sweetheart
and I want to give you back your
ring, both rings, if you would like to
have them. They are on a chain about
our daughter’s neck. 'Will you give
them to your father, dear?”
“Mo,” Ramon Milana's tones were
dignified, impressive. "I do not wish
these rings, now or ever. They belong
to Sweetheart! One for herself, one
for her ” his eyes rested upon Paul.
