There now, smile! I
wouldn't ha' left you all the afternoon--not even wi' our pal--no, not
even to try on my wedding gown if I'd thought you'd ha' grieved. Come,
dear, Jessamy's back an' ready for you with the muffles--there, he be
calling!"
So I arose, but stood a while to look into her eyes that met mine with
such sweet frankness.
"And you still wish to learn all those graces and refinements that
make what is called a lady, my Diana?"
"Yes," she answered, a little breathlessly. "Yes--oh, more than
ever--more than anything else in life--except you--"
"Then--God helping, you shall!" said I, between shut teeth. And so we
went on together.
"But, Peregrine," she questioned a little wistfully, "dear Peregrine,
why is your face so stern and why must you sigh still?"
"Because to be unselfish is sometimes--an agony, Diana."
"Dear heart--what do you mean?"
"Only I know now that I do most truly love you."
CHAPTER XXXVIII
A CRUCIFIXION
"Where are you taking me, Peregrine?"
Birds were singing joyously, the brook chuckled and laughed merrily
amid the shallows, the morning sun shone in glory, and all nature
seemed to rejoice, as if care and sadness were things unknown.
"Where are we going, dear Peregrine?"
"To seek your heart's desire."
"That sounds very lovely!" said Diana, laughing gaily and giving my
arm a little hug. "But everything seems so--wonderful lately!"
After this we walked in silence awhile, for when I would have told her
whither we were going and why, I could not, try how I would.
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