It was hard for
Neil to seem cheerful and natural, but he succeeded very well until the
last, when he said good-by to Bessie. Then he broke down entirely, and,
taking her in his arms, cried over her as a mother cries over the child
she is losing.
"You have always been my good angel, Bessie," he said, "and if I ever
make anything of myself, it will all be owing to you. Good-by, and may
God bless you and make you the happiest woman in the world, as you
deserve to be. I may never see you again, and I may. If I succeed, and
really think I am a man, and not a sneak as you have always known me, I
shall come to you sometime, and show you that there was something in
Neil McPherson besides selfishness and conceit. Good-by."
Releasing her, he turned to Grey, who, during this little scene, had
considerately turned his back upon them, and stood looking from the
window as unconcernedly as if no tall, handsome cousin were kissing his
wife and crying over her. He had perfect faith in Bessie, and he pitied
Neil, and when the latter offered him his hand he took it, and pressing
it warmly, said:
"Good by, and God bless you.
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