Beth Norvell

A moment neither moved nor spoke.

"Beth," he whispered, as though half afraid even yet to put the

question, "am I all you wish--everything?"

"Yes, everything--only you must wait, Ned. I belong still to the

public, and must play out my engagement. After that it shall be home,

and you."

They stood there facing each other, the soft light from the shaded

globes overhead sparkling in her dark hair, her cheeks flushed, her

eyes smiling at him through a mist of tears. Unresisted, he drew her

to him.