“I do not desire your gratitude for a few articles — — ”

“It isn’t for them — though I’m grateful for those things too! It’s gratitude to God for giving me you, Euan Loskiel! And you ought to take shame to yourself for doubting it!”

I said nothing, being unable to see her in the darkness, much less perceive what expression she wore for her rebuke to me. Then as I stood silent, I felt her little hands groping on my arm; and my own closed on them and I laid my lips to them.

“Ai-me!” she said softly. “Why do we fight and fret each other? Why do I, who adore you so, let you vex me and stir me to say what I do not mean at all. Always remember, Euan — always, always —