And it was such a
safe hiding-place. I knew no one would look for me there. Only lately I
have come to see that what I did was wicked. I think you helped to make
me see, Big Bear. You're so honest. And then a dreadful thing happened.
Have you ever spoilt anyone's life besides your own, I wonder? I have.
That is why I have got to die. There is no place left for me. I gave it
up. And there is someone else there now."
She stopped. Merefleet was bending over her with that in his face that
might have been the reflected glory of the growing day. Mab saw it, and
stretched up her other hand with a startled sob.
"Big Bear, forgive me!" she whispered. "I--didn't--know."
A moment later she was lying on his breast, and the first golden shimmer
of the morning had risen above the sea.
"I shan't mind dying now," Mab whispered, a little later. "I was real
frightened yesterday. But now--do you know?--I'm glad--glad. It's just
like sailing into Paradise, isn't it? Are any of your people there, Big
Bear?"
"Perhaps," said Merefleet.
"Won't you be pleased to see them?" she said, with a touch of wonder at
the indifference in his tone.
"I want nothing but you, my darling," he said, and his lips were on her
hair.
He felt her fingers close upon his own.
"I guess it won't matter in Heaven," she said, as though trying to
convince herself of something. "My dear, shall I tell you something?
I love you with all my heart.
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