Frederick's lips closed down upon the girl's, and the dark hair of the student mingled with the red curls of the squatter.
"I shall never let you go again," murmured Frederick, his lips roving in sweet freedom over the flushed cheeks.
"And I ain't a-goin' ter let yer go, nuther," whispered Tess. "I works, fishes and berries the years through--but I air yer squatter."
The child, as if in pain, cried sharply. The student's arms slipped limply from Tessibel, and he stood up.
"I had forgotten it for a moment, Tess. The infant has changed your life and mine.... I have loved you dearly--I love you still. But the child is between us, and always will be ... I must remember it.... Ah! I have forgotten one thing I came for. Here!"
He was holding a small Bible out to her.
"In my temper I burned yours. I'm sorry. I was bringing you this when I heard you cry."
Tess took the book in her hand mechanically, and the hope rekindled in her heart died. Frederick bent over her for one short moment, looking into her eyes.
"Forgive me if you can, Tess--and--and be a good girl!"
He opened the door, and was gone before she could stop him. With chattering teeth, she flung herself upon the stool, resting her head in her arms on the table, heeding not the second whining command from the infant.
Suddenly, with flashing eyes, she bounded up. She would tell him. Teola had promised that he should know. Why not be happy, and make him happy? She would call him back, and-The door opened under her impulsive hand. She faced the storm--and the tall, gaunt, emaciated form of Ezra Longman.