"
John smiled. "I compromised there," he answered. "I returned his money
and resigned as his attorney before I sent you the deed. It was a
compromise, I admit, but I had to choose between him and--well, my
honor, if you like; although that sounds theatrical. I chose to be
honest with myself--that's all. The land is yours, Mrs. Barnes."
He handed her the envelope containing the deed. She took it and sat
there turning it over and over in her fingers, not looking at it, but
thinking, or trying to think.
"You give it to me," she said. "It was yours and you give it to me. Why
should you? Do--do you think I can TAKE it from you?"
"Certainly, you must take it."
"But I can't! I can't!"
"Certainly you can. Why not?"
"Why NOT? After the things I've thought about you? And after the way
I've treated you? And--and after Emily--"
"She didn't know either," broke in Captain Obed. "She didn't understand.
She--"
"That's enough, Captain," interrupted John. "Mrs. Barnes, you
mustn't misunderstand me again. Neither you nor--nor Miss Howes must
misunderstand my motives. I give this to you because I honestly believe
it belongs to you, not because I expect anything in return. I--I confess
I did hesitate a little. I feared--I feared she--"
"He means Emily," broke in the irrepressible captain. "You mean Emily,
don't you, John?"
"Yes," with some embarrassment. "Yes, I do mean Miss Howes. She and I
had been--friends, and I feared she might misinterpret my reasons.
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