I had just one little hope to inspire me with sufficient boldness . I saw you , that night , when you came back here and picked up my rose ! I had come back , myself , to be alone and unhappy . '' `` It is the most wonderful thing that ever happened -- that you should love me , '' I said . `` It 's not -- I could n't help it , '' said Betty , nestling her brown head on my shoulder . `` You taught me everything else , Stephen , so nobody but you could teach me how to love . You 've made a thorough thing of educating me . '' `` When will you marry me , Betty ? '' I asked . `` As soon as I can fully forgive you for trying to make me marry somebody else , '' said Betty . It was rather hard lines on Frank , when you come to think of it . But , such is the selfishness of human nature that we did n't think much about Frank . The young fellow behaved like the Douglas he was . Went a little white about the lips when I told him , wished me all happiness , and went quietly away , `` gentleman unafraid . '' He has since married and is , I understand , very happy . Not as happy as I am , of course ; that is impossible , because there is only one Betty in the world , and she is my wife . XII . IN HER SELFLESS MOOD The raw wind of an early May evening was puffing in and out the curtains of the room where Naomi Holland lay dying . The air was moist and chill , but the sick woman would not have the window closed . `` I ca n't get my breath if you shut everything up so tight , '' she said .
`` Whatever comes , I ai n't going to be smothered to death , Car ` line XXXXX . ''
Betty Douglas Frank Holland Stephen XII evening head night shoulder