"Yes, Daren," she finally said, "you understand, and you have made me understand.

I always felt"-- and her hand went to her heart--"but my mind did not grasp....

Oh, Daren, how I thank you!" and she held her hands out to him.
Lane grasped the outstretched hands, and loosed the leaping thought her words and action created.
"Mel, let me give your boy a father--a name." No blow could have made her shrink so palpably.

It passed--that shame.
Her lips parted, and other emotions claimed her.
"Daren--you would--marry me ?" she gasped.
"I am asking you to be my wife for your child's sake," he replied.
Her head bowed.

She sank against him, trembling.