ords or declaration of love had
as yet passed his lips. He had vowed to himself that none should until
the time came when he had more than mere love to offer. Since all his
acts and words showed her so plainly what his feelings were, she began
to realize what it must all mean in the end, and that in due time he
would ask her the one important question that contains the joy or sorrow
of a woman's life. As this belief began to grow upon her it caused her
many hours of serious thought, and had she not discovered in her own
heart an answering throb of love it is certain she was far too honorable
to have allowed his attentions to continue.

How the townspeople viewed the affair may be gathered from a remark made
by Aunt Sally Hart, the village gossip, one Sunday at church.

"They tell me," she said, "that young Manson's keeping stiddy company
with Liddy Camp, and they're likely to make a match. Wonder if they'll
go to live on his father's farm, or what he will do?"

As Aunt Sally was an estimable lady of uncertain age, who, never having
had a love affair of her own, felt a keen interest in those of others,
and as she occupied a place in Southton akin to the "personal mention"
column of a modern society newspaper, it may be said her remark was a
sufficient reflex of public opinion.

When there were any social gatherings where they were invited, he was by
tacit consent considered as her proper and accepted escort. At the
academy she had never been in the habit of discussing her private
affairs with her mates, and so perhaps was spared what might have become
an annoyance. While she listened to much gossip, she seldom repeated it,
and, by reason of a certain dignified reticence among even her most
intimate schoolgirl friends, no one felt free to tell her of the
opinions current among them regarding herself and Manson. For this
reason a little deviation from the usual rule, made one day by her
nearest friend, Emily Hobart, came with all the greater force.

"Do you know," said Emily, when they were alone, "it is common talk here
in school that you and Charlie Manson are engaged? Oh, you need not
blush so," she continued, as she saw the color rise in Liddy's face,
"everybody says so and believes it, too. Shall I congratulate you?"

This did not please Liddy at all.

"I wish everybody would mind their own business," she said with a snap,
"and leave me to mind mine."

"Oh, fiddlesticks," continued Emily; "what do you care? He