Teach me.'
Then reaching out, he took her hand in his. His voice deepened and
strengthened.
'Elizabeth!--be my friend--my children's friend. Bring your poor
mother here--and your sister--till Pamela goes. Then tell me--what
you decide. You shall give me no pledge--no promise. You shall be
absolutely free. But together let us do a bit of work, a bit of
service.'
She looked up. The emotion, the sweetness in her face dazzled him.
'Yes,' she said gravely--'I will stay.'
He drew a long breath, and stooping over the hands she had given
him, he kissed them.
Then he released her and, rising, walked away. The portrait of
Desmond had been brought back, but it stood with its face to the
wall. He went to it and turned it. It shone out into the room, under
the westering sun. He looked at it a little--while Elizabeth with
trembling fingers began to re-arrange her table in the old way.
Then he returned to her, speaking in the dry, slightly peremptory
voice she knew well.
'I hear the new buildings at the Holme Hill Farm are nearly ready.
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