It isn't rank or
wealth or even happiness. It swamps the lot, just because it's the only
thing in God's creation that lasts. And you've got it. In heaven's name,
don't throw it away!"
He spoke with the simplicity and strength of a man who never wastes his
words, and having spoken, he released her without farewell and turned
away.
Toby stood quite motionless for several seconds, watching him; then, as
he did not look round, hurriedly she addressed the eldest child.
"Take care of Betty a moment, Eileen darling! I shall be back directly."
And with the words she was gone, like an arrow, in pursuit.
He must have heard her feet upon the sand, but he did not turn. Perhaps
his thoughts were elsewhere, for when at the quick pressure of her hand
on his arm he paused to look at her, she saw that his eyes were very sad.
"Well?" he said, with the glimmer of a smile. "Well,--Toinette?"
She clasped her two hands upon his arm, holding it very tightly, her face
uplifted. "Please--I want to thank you," she said breathlessly. "You have
been--so very good."
He shook his head. "I have done--nothing," he said. "Don't thank me!"
She went on with nervous haste. "And it does make a difference to me.
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