he felt a tremor in her touch that delighted his heart. He brought it to his lips.

“I’ve been needing you all the morning. Aunt Sally has done everything — all she could. If I should let you have this hand again, would you go so far away from me that I could not reach you?”

“Not if you want me near.”

“Then put away your sewing and bring your chair close to me, and let us talk together while we may.”

She obeyed and sat looking away from him out through the open door. Were her eyes searching for the mountain top?

“You have thoughts — sweet, big thoughts, dear girl; put them in words for me now, while we are so blessedly alone.”