“Last Sunday afternoon, Patricia, when I had right and reason and logic on my side, your woman’s intuition found the truer path,” he said, in sober humility.  “I know I am only one, and your poor people to whom you have been planning to give yourself are many; still, I am selfish enough to—­”

She looked up quickly and the deep-welled eyes were shining.

“We can’t learn everything all at once, Evan, dear,” she interrupted, breaking in upon his pleading.  “There was one moment in that Sunday afternoon when I learned the greatest thing of all; it was the moment when I saw the pine-tree lying across the road and knew what I should do, and for whom I should do it.”

“I know,” he returned gently.  “You learned that love is stronger than death or the fear of death; and that loyalty is greater than many ideals.  You heard what my father said just now, and it is true—­only he didn’t put it half vitally enough; I can’t walk in the way he has marked out for me without you, Patricia.”

With a swift little love impulse she lifted his hand and pressed it to her cheek.

“You needn’t, Evan, dear,” she said simply.

THE END

* * * * *

[Transcribers Note:  This section was originally at the beginning of the text.]

BOOKS BY FRANCIS LYNDE

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The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush.
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