But Joe, for all the change in him, had a loyal streak not only for me but for all he had once meant to do.
Even still he kept saying he'd just put it off, and that when he'd got the money he'd turn back and we'd begin.
"And when his wife died, I began to have hope.

The only blot on her funeral was the fact that you were there--and you told me you intended to stay.

Her sister--the same story.

I soon shook that off, however--for I saw the way he turned to his work as a refuge from his grief for her.

I had my chance and I took it.