CHAPTER III


Donald Morley rode back to town through the coming storm, in that
particular state of ecstasy that mortals are permitted to enjoy but
once in a lifetime. Not that falling in love was a novel sensation; on
the contrary a varied experience had made him agreeably familiar with
all the symptoms. But this, he assured himself with passionate
vehemence, was something altogether and absolutely different. Between
now and that morning when he had idly ridden out to Wicker's in search
of a farm, lay a sea as wide as Destiny!

There in the country he had unexpectedly come upon his fate and with
characteristic impetuosity had pursued and overtaken it. Other girls
may have stirred his heart, but it had remained for a wild little
pagan of the woods to stir his soul. He had laid bare to her the most
secret places of his being, had confessed his sins, and received
absolution. From this time on the frivolities of youth lay behind him,
and ambition sat upon his brow. He would cut out the trip to the
Orient, buy a farm and settle down to work as if he hadn't a penny in
the world. Once the Colonel was made to recognize his worth, the gates
of Paradise would be open!

He thought of the home he would build for her, and the flowers that
would encompass it, of the horses and dogs they would have and
perhaps--The memory of her face as she clasped Chick in the road
flashed over him, and he straightened his shoulders suddenly and
smiled almost tremulously. Yes, he'd be worthy of her, from this time
forward life should hold no higher privilege!