Lige looked wistfully down at her through the gloom . `` Yes , it seems very long to me , Sara . But I did n't think you 'd care to see me , after what you said last spring . And you know things have been going against me . People have said hard things . I 've been unfortunate , Sara , and may be too easy-going , but I 've been honest . Do n't believe folks if they tell you I was n't . '' `` Indeed , I never did -- not for a minute ! '' fired Sara . `` I 'm glad of that . I 'm going away , later on . I felt bad enough when you refused to marry me , Sara ; but it 's well that you did n't . I 'm man enough to be thankful my troubles do n't fall on you . '' Sara stopped and turned to him . Beyond them the lane opened into a field and a clear lake of crocus sky cast a dim light into the shadow where they stood . Above it was a new moon , like a gleaming silver scimitar . Sara saw it was over her left shoulder , and she saw Lige 's face above her , tender and troubled . `` Lige , '' she said softly , `` do you love me still ? '' `` You know I do , '' said Lige sadly . That was all Sara wanted .
With a quick movement she nestled XXXXX his arms , and laid her warm , tear-wet cheek against his cold one .
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