adore hardy, courageous manhood. Beyond all power of expression, Alida felt
her need of a champion and protector. She was capable of going away for his
sake, but she would go in terror and despair. The words that had smitten her
confirmed all her old fears of facing the world alone. Then came the
overpowering thought of his loyalty and kindness, of his utter and almost
fierce repugnance to the idea of her leaving him. In contrast with the man
who had deceived and wronged her, Holcroft's course overwhelmed her very soul
with a passion of grateful affection. A new emotion, unlike anything she had
ever known, thrilled her heart and covered her face with blushes. "I could die
for him!" she murmured.

She awoke late in the morning. When at last she entered the kitchen she
stopped in deep chagrin, for Holcroft had almost completed preparations for
breakfast. "Ha, ha!" he laughed, "turn about is fair play."

"Well," she sighed, "there's no use of making excuses now."

"There's no occasion for any. Did you ever see such a looking case as I am
with this bandage around my head?"

"Does it pain you?" she asked sympathetically.

"Well, it does. It pains like thunder."

"The wound needs dressing again. Let me cleanse and bind it up."

"Yes, after breakfast."

"No, indeed; now. I couldn't eat my breakfast while you were suffering so."