"Yes, Miss Romeyn," he replied with moistening eyes, "I know all. Perhaps my past experience enables me to sympathize with you more than others can. But be that as it may, I do give you the whole sympathy of my heart; and for this brave effort to win your own bread I respect and honor you more, if possible, than I did when you were in your beautiful home at Hillaton."
Laura's tears were now falling fast, but she was smiling nevertheless, and she said, hesitatingly: "I do not consider myself such a deplorable object of sympathy; I have good health, a kind employer, enough to live upon, and a tolerably clear conscience. Of course I do feel deeply for auntie and uncle, and yet I think auntie is happier than she has been for many years. If all had remained as it was at Hillaton, the ice around uncle's heart would have grown harder and thicker to the end; now it is melting away, and auntie's thoughts reach so far beyond time and earth, that she is forgetting the painful present in thoughts of the future."
"I have often asked myself," exclaimed Haldane, "could God have made a nobler woman? Ah! Miss Laura, you do not know how much I owe to her."
"You have taught us that God can make noble men also."
"I have merely done my duty," he said, with a careless gesture. "When can I see Mrs. Arnot?"
"I can't go home till noon, but I think I can direct you to the house."
"Can I not stay and help you sell books? Then I can go home with you."
"A major-general behind the counter selling books would make a sensation in town, truly."
"If the people were of my way of thinking, Miss Laura Romeyn selling books would make a far greater sensation."
"Very few are of your way of thinking, Mr. Haldane."
"I am heartily glad of it," he ejaculated.
"Indeed!"
"Pardon me, Miss Romeyn" he said with a deep flush, "you do not understand what I mean." Then he burst out impetuously, "Miss Laura, I cannot school myself into patience. I have been in despair so many years that since I now dare to imagine that there is a bare chance for me, I cannot wait decorously for some fitting occasion. But if you can give me even the faintest hope I will be patience and devotion itself."
"Hope of what?" said Laura faintly, turning away her face.
"Oh, Miss Laura, I ask too much," he answered sadly.
"You have not asked anything very definitely, Mr. Haldane," she faltered.
"I ask for the privilege of trying to win you as my wife."