Indeed, one look at the old engineer was confirmation enough.
Neale was made much of that night. The chief and his engineers, the officers and their wives, all vied with one another in their efforts to celebrate Neale’s return to work. The dinner party was merry, yet earnest, too. Baxter made a speech, his fine old face alight with gladness as he extolled youth and genius and the inspiring power of bright eyes. Neale had to answer. His voice was deep and full as he said that Providence had returned him to his work and to a happiness he had believed lost. He denied the genius attributed to him, but not the inspiring power of bright eyes. And he paid a fine tribute to Baxter.
Through all this gaiety and earnestness Allie’s lips were mute, and her cheeks flushed and paled by turns. It was an ordeal for her, both confusing and poignant. At last she and Neale got away alone to the cabin room where they had met earlier in the day.
They stood at the open window, close together, hands locked, gazing out over the quiet valley. The moon was full, and broad belts of silver light lay in strong contrast to black shadows. The hour was late. The sentries paced their beats.
Allie stirred and lifted her face to Neale’s. “What they said about you makes me almost as happy as to see you again,” she said.
“They said! Who? What?” asked Neale, dreamily.
“Oh, I heard, I remember!... For instance, Mr. Baxter said you had genius.”
“He was just eulogizing me,” replied Neale. “What he said about your bright eyes was more to the point, I think.”
“It’s sweet to believe I could inspire you. But I know--and you know--that if I had not been here you would have seen through the engineering problem just the same... Now, be honest.”
“Yes, I would,” replied Neale, frankly. “Though perhaps not so swiftly. I could see through stone today.”
“And that proves your worth. Your duty it always has been--to stand by your chief. Oh, I love him!... He seems so much younger today. You have encouraged them all... Oh, dear Neale, there is something noble in what you can do for him. Can’t you see it?”
“No matter what happens to me. I am alive, safe, well... and I’m yours. But something might happen--you can never tell, and I don’t refer particularly to Durade and his gang. I mean, life and everything is uncertain out here. So promise me, no matter what happens, that you’ll stand by your work.”