sake; but it is very hard to see our happiness deferred again when
such a little sum would give us to each other."

As she ceased, Bess looked for comfort into the countenance of her
companion, never seeing through her tears how pale it was with
sudden grief, how stern with repressed emotion. She only saw the
friend whom Jamie loved and that tie drew her toward him as to an
elder brother to whom she turned for help, unconscious then how
great his own need was.

"I never knew of this before, Bess; you kept your secret well" he
said, trying to seem unchanged.

The color deepened in her cheek; but she answered simply, "I never
spoke of it, for words could do no good, and Jamie grieved silently
about it, for he thought it a great sacrifice, though I looked on it
as a sacred duty, and he often wearied himself to show in many
loving ways how freshly he remembered it. My grateful little Jamie."

And her eyes wandered to the green tree-tops tossing in the wind,
whose shadows flickered pleasantly above the child.

"Let me think a little, Bess, before I counsel you. Keep a good
heart and rest assured that I will help you if I can," said Walter,
trying to speak hopefully.

"But you come to tell me something; at least, I fancied I saw some
good tidings in your face just now. Forgive my selfish grief, and
see how gladly I will sympathize with any joy of yours."