"The story of your unhappiness, Tibbie, is the story of your love. Is
it not?" I asked, slowly.
Her chest rose and fell slowly as she raised her tearful eyes to mine,
and in reply, said in a low, faltering voice,--
"Listen, and I will tell you. Before I die it is only right that you
should know the truth--you who are my only friend."
And she burst again into a flood of tears, stirred by the painful
remembrance of the past.
I stood there holding her for the first time in my arms. And she buried
her face upon my shoulder, trembling and sobbing as our two hearts beat
in unison.