The Branding Iron

She put out her hand wistfully asking for pity, but he fell upon his

knees and wrapped his hungry arms about her. "Joan," he sobbed, "Joan!

Don't leave me. Don't--I couldn't bear it!" He looked up at her, his

worn face wet with tears. "Don't leave me, Joan! I want you. Don't you

understand?"

Her deep gray eyes filled slowly with light, she put a hand on either

side of his face and bent her lips to his. "I never thought you'd be

wantin' me," she said.