Belding. Her voice was
steady, and there was no evidence of agitation except in her
pallor. "Then you--you haven't spoken to Nell?"
Dick laughed. "I've been trying to get a chance to tell her. I
haven't had it yet. But she knows. There are other ways besides
speech. And Mercedes has told her. I hope, I almost believe Nell
cares a little for me."
"I've known that, too, for a long time," said Mrs. Belding, low
almost as a whisper.
"You know!" cried Dick, with a glow and rush of feeling.
"Dick, you must be very blind not to see what has been plain
to all of us....I guess--it couldn't have been helped. You're a
splendid fellow. No wonder she loves you."
"Mother! You'll give her to me?"
She drew him to the light and looked with strange, piercing
intentness into his face. Gale had never dreamed a woman's eyes
could hold such a world of thought and feeling. It seemed all
the sweetness of life was there, and all the pain.
"Do you love her?" she asked.
"With all my heart."
"You want to marry her?"
"Ah, I want to! As much as I want to live and work for her."
"When would you marry her?"
"Why!...Just as soon as she will do it. To-morrow!" Dick gave a
wild, exultant little laugh.
"Dick Gale, you want my Nell? You love her just as she is--her
sweetness--her goodness? Just herself, body and soul?...There's
nothing could change you--nothing?"
"Dear Mrs. Belding, I love Nell for herself. If she loves me I'll
be the happiest of men.
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