gone a long time—at least two years, Eric! You ought to go; I want you to go, for it is about your work. So all we need to know to-night, dear, is just that we love; and now we've said it. So I know that you'll be going away only to come back to me; and you will know that no matter how long you are gone or whatever happens or whoever else comes or whatever any one says or does while you are away, I will be waiting for you!"
"You will be waiting for me!"
"For you, always, forever! . . . So kiss me now, Eric; Put your arms about me . . . Dear! Dear! Oh, Eric, how far away you're going and how long it will be! But—but you'll come back to me, won't you? For however long it is, you'll find me waiting for you!"
So she had given herself to Eric Hedon that evening. Later that night, he started away for the Aurora and she heard from him by letter only a few times before the Arctic engulfed him.
She told her father and mother the next morning what she had promised to do. They received the announcement complacently.
