“Why, dearest?”

“Because.” She hesitated with parted lips, and cheeks flushed from the climb. David stood with bared head. He felt as if he were in a cathedral.

“And why because?” he asked again.

“For now we bring just happiness with us. We’re not troubled or wondering about anything. No sorrow comes with us. In our hearts we are sure — sure — ” She paused again and lifted her eyes to his.

“Sure that all is right when we belong to each other — this way?”

“Yes, sure! Oh, David, sure — sure!” She threw her arms about his neck and drew his face down to hers. “It’s even a greater happiness than when he used to carry me in his arms here. There’s