She sat down under the lamp with her work, tying on the little sewing-apron Mrs. Hewitt had given her the day before. "Why, they scarcely have holes at all," she marveled. "I can do lots more than these." "There are lots more," said John rather mournfully. But he did not feel particularly mournful.

Quite unsuspectingly, she pushed her work into the pocket along the hem of her sewing-apron and laid her hands in his, and he drew her easily to her feet. But, instead of releasing her then, he drew her closer and kissed her, quite as calmly as he had his mother a moment before.... No, not quite as calmly. Joy felt his arms close around her, as if he was glad to have her in his hold.