There could never be any more questioning or doubt. She knew now that Eliot"s faith in her was perfected. He had written this--these words of utter trust--in circ.u.mstances which might have shaken the belief of almost any man. And his faith had remained steadfast. Love, which casteth out fear, had cast out this last fear of all.
"Eliot"--Ann"s voice broke a little--"you"ve given me the one thing I still needed--the absolute certainty of your faith in me."
"I believe in you as I believe in G.o.d," he answered simply.
He drew her into his arms.
"And you, beloved--do you know what you have done for me? You have closed the gates of memory, shown me the way into the "happy garden"--given me beauty for ashes."
A silence fell between them. But it was the silence of complete and perfect understanding. Together they would go forth into the future, unafraid.