By Berwen Banks

"Will we hate each other?"

Again there was no answer, and again Cardo looked down at Valmai as he

pressed his question.

She had taken off her hat, and was walking with her golden head exposed

to the cool night breezes. It drooped a little as she answered his

persistent questioning.

"No, I think," she said, with her quaint Welsh accent.

"No, I think, too," said Cardo; "why should we? Let us leave the

hatred and malice and all uncharitableness to our elders; for you and

me, down here on the sands and by the banks of the Berwen, there need

be nothing but content and--and friendship."

"Yes, indeed, it is nice to have friends. I left all mine behind me in

my old home, and I did not think I should ever have another; but here

we are across the shore, and here is the path to Dinas."

"Oh, but the walk has been too short. You must come back and let us

have it over again."

"What! back again?" said Valmai, laughing so merrily that she woke the

echoes from the cliffs.

"Yes, back across those slippery stones and across the shore, and then

back again to this side. I can help you, you know."

Cardo's voice was very low and tender. It seemed ridiculous, but

somehow he gained his point.