The Parting Pledge and Passing Days

"I _know_ it," she replied promptly; but with a troubled voice. "Judd
has been very wicked, but he doesn't lie. I think that he meant it the
way ... the way you did, too; but he's different and I mean to give it
all back to him." There was another pause, and then Smiles said gently,
"Donald, it makes my heart ache like, to tell you this, but I've got to
now. I want that you should go away early to-morrow morning."

"What?" he burst out angrily, springing to his feet. "And have him
believe that I ran away from him again? No, how can you ask it, Rose?"

"It isn't that. We know, and _he_ knows now, that you're not afraid of
him. But this mountain is his home, and, if you stay here, there is sure
to be more trouble, and I couldn't bear that, Don. Even if one of you
wasn't ... wasn't hurt in the body, wicked thoughts would hurt your
souls. I know it is so, and you _must_ go ... but, oh, how I am going to
miss you."

For a moment Donald stood tense; then his body relaxed weakly and he
answered, "Yes, you are right, Smiles. It _is_ up to me to go; but I
know that some day these clouds are going to be lifted somehow, and we
shall see each other again and be happy together."