h the sobbing voice, and losing control
of her reserve, said abruptly: "I know it, I know all about it. If I
thought John Hunter'd let you set at home like----"

She knew while the words were still in her mouth that it was a mistake.
The girl shrank away and dropped the hand she had been fondling. There was
absolute silence for a moment, the older woman dumb, unable to go on,
unable to explain, unable to retract, or extricate herself in any way. The
discussion had promised so well at first that both had entered into it
with zest, and yet the moment it had become personal, loyalty had risen
between them and hushed their words and left them uncomfortable. The
silence became so intolerable that Elizabeth arose, and unable to look up
turned and fumbled with the lock on the schoolhouse door. Aunt Susan rose
also and waited, without speaking, for her to start home. Something hurt
on both sides. Neither blamed the other, but both were to look back to the
rough schoolhouse steps and the half-hearted discussion of man's
domination and woman's inability to defend herself against it.

Before supper was quite finished John came to take Elizabeth to meet his
mother. He was all bustle and activity; in fact, John Hunter was at his
best. He took possession of her in exactly the way to show how unnecessary
her fears had been. The reaction set in. John was fresh and clean of linen
and finger-nails and pleasing to the eye. Elizabeth's mood changed the
moment he presented himself on Nathan's doorstep. Every fear of the faded
life disappeared in his magical presence. John Hunter at least was not
faded. After all, Elizabeth had been a bit piqued and really wanted to
meet Mrs. Hunter. John whisked her off merrily and carried her to the home
which was to be theirs.

"Mother, this is Elizabeth Farnshaw, soon to be your daughter," was the
introduction he gave her when his mother met them at the door, and then
watched narrowly to see what sort of impression Elizabeth would make.

Mrs. Hunter kissed the girl gravely, and still retaining her hand stepped
back and looked at her curiously, but kindly.

"I am glad you are to be John's wife, dear," she said slowly. "I am sure
we shall like each other. We must--he is all I have, you know."

Elizabeth, who had felt herself on trial, was near tears, but her lover
saved her from that embarrassment when, feeling that the Hunter approval
was accorded, he stepped forward and put his arms about the two, ki