tioned it."

"We understand each other, don't we?"

"In the plain old Hoosier language, yes!"

"And if I tell you out of the depths of my humility that no one in the
world means so much to me as you do, you understand, don't you, Phil?"

"Certainly. Your words are admirably chosen and we'll let it go at
that."

Her flippancy now invited rather than repelled him. It was his
experience that girls like to be made love to; the more reluctant they
appear, the better they like it; and as she moved along beside him her
beauty, her splendid health, her audacity struck fire in him. It was
to-night or never between Phil and him. His to-morrows were uncertain;
there was no guessing what Kirkwood might do, and Phil alone could
protect and save him.

"Phil, this whole situation here is an impossible one for you. Because
I'm older I realize it probably more than you do. First it was my Uncle
Jack that came back here and stirred things up, and now--you won't take
it unkindly if I say that your mother's return has been most
unfortunate--for all of us. A girl like you oughtn't to be exposed to
the gossip of a country town. It's not fair to you. I love you, Phil; I
want you to marry me, at once, the quicker the better. I want to take
you away from all this. Phil--dear!"

His tone thrilled her; she was persuaded of his kindness and generosity.
He had not abused her mother or spoken unkindly of his uncle even. He
had shown the nicest tact and discretion in his proposal of marriage,
hinting at his own difficulties without attempting to play upon her
sympathies. She could not laugh it off; she felt no inclination to do
so.

"I'm sorry, Charlie; I'm awfully sorry; and I didn't want you to go on;
I really didn't mean to let you; I tried to stop you. I respect you and
like you; but I don't love you. So that's all there is to it. Now we
must hurry home."

They were quite near Amzi's gate, and there was need for urgency. The
thought of her mother gave him an angry throb; very likely she was
waiting for them.

"You don't mean that, Phil! I can't have it that way."

"I do mean just that. So please don't say any more about it; we won't
either of us be happier for talking about it."

"That's not square, Phil. You knew it was bound to come to this. You let
me go on believing, hoping--"

"If you think such things of me, I shall be sorry I ever saw you."

"I've offered you a way out for yourself; your happiness is at stake.
You must g