To take trouble to win the smile of one we love, to gladly forego one's momentary pleasures, one's convenience, in order to serve her.

That is the best reward of life." Michael's eyes filled with tears.

He felt a hundred years older than Wentworth at that moment.

A tender pained compassion welled up within him.

And with it came a new protective comprehension of the man beside him who had cherished him from his childhood onwards.
He put out his hand and gripped Wentworth's.
"God bless you, Wenty," he said.
And for a moment they who were so far apart seemed very near together..