she said, half crying.

His laugh at this was less acrid. "Adams again? My grandfather had no
middle name. But I mustn't keep you out here in the cold talking
genealogies."

His hand was on the door to open it for her. Like a flash she came
between, and her fingers closed over his on the door-knob.

"Wait," she said. "Have I done all this--humbled myself into the very
dust--to no purpose?"

"Not if you will give me the one priceless word I am thirsting for."

"Oh, how shameless you are!" she cried. "Will nothing serve to arouse
the better part of you?"

"There is no better part of any man than his love for a woman. You
have aroused that."

"_Then prove it by going and building your railroad_, Mr. Winton. When
you have done that--"

He caught at the word as a drowning man catches at a straw.

"When I have won the fight--Virginia, let me see your eyes--when I
have won, I may come back to you?"

"I didn't say anything of the kind! But I will say what I said to Mr.
Adams. I like men who _do_ things. Good night." And before he could