Chief of all, his manly tenderness and
unbargaining love stole into her heart like a subtle balm; and
responsive love, the most potent of remedies, was renewing her
life. She found herself counting the days and then the hours that
must intervene before the 25th. On Christmas eve her woman's
nature triumphed, and she instinctively added such little graces
to her toilet as her sombre costume permitted. She also arranged
her beautiful hair in the style which she knew he admired. He
might come; and she determined that his first glance should reveal
that he was not serving one who was coldly apathetic to his brave
endeavor and loyalty.
Indeed, even she herself wondered at the changes that had taken
place during the brief time which had elapsed since their parting.
There was a new light in her eyes, and a delicate bloom tinged her
cheeks.
"Oh," she murmured, "it's all so different now that I feel that I
can live for him and make him happy."
She was sure that she could welcome him in a way that would assure
him of the fulfilment of all his hopes; but when he did come with
his eager, questioning eyes, she suddenly found herself under a
strange restraint, tongue-tied and embarrassed.
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