"That's right, go on," said Douglas, striving to control the
unsteadiness in his own voice.
"Where thou diest, will I die' "--her arms went out blindly.
"Oh, you won't send me away, will you?" she sobbed. "I don't
want to learn anything else just--except--from you." She covered
her face and slipped, a little, broken heap at his feet.
In an instant the pastor's strong arms were about her, his
stalwart body was supporting her. "You shan't go away. I won't
let you--I won't! Do you hear me, Polly? I won't!"
Her breath was warm against his cheek. He could feel her tears,
her arms about him, as she clung to him helplessly, sobbing and
quivering in the shelter of his strong embrace. You are never
going to leave me--never!"
A new purpose had come into his life, the realisation of a new
necessity, and he knew that the fight which he must henceforth
make for this child was the same that he must make for himself.
Chapter XI
"I'se goin' into de Sunday-school-room to take off dat ere
widow's finishin' touches," said Mandy, as she came down the
steps.
"All right!" called Douglas. "Take these with you, perhaps they
may help." He gathered up the garlands which Polly had left on
the ground. His eyes were shining, he looked younger than Mandy
had ever seen him.
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