ta you may
easily surmise. Early after supper Dic walked over to see Sukey, and his
coming filled that young lady's ardent little soul with delight. His
reasons for going would be hard to define. Perhaps his chief motive was
the hope of running away from himself, and the possibility of hearing
another budget of unwelcome news concerning Rita and Williams. He
dreaded to hear it; but he longed to know all there was to be known, and
he felt sure Sukey had exhaustive knowledge on the subject, and would be
ready to impart it upon invitation.

He had been sitting with Sukey half an hour when Tom Bays walked in.
Thomas, of course, could not remain when he found the field occupied;
and much to Dic's regret and Sukey's delight he took his departure,
after a visit of ten minutes. Dic urged him to remain, saying that he
was going soon, and Sukey added, "Yes, won't you stay?" But she was far
from enthusiastic, and Thomas went home with disappointment in his heart
and profanity on his lips.

When Tom entered the room where Rita was doing her best to entertain
Williams, she said, "I thought you were going to see Sukey?"

"Dic's there," answered Tom, and Rita's white face grew whiter.

Tom started toward the back door on his way to the kitchen, where his
father and mother were sitting, and Rita said, pleadingly:--

"Don't go, Tom; stay here with us. Please do." She forgot Williams and
continued: "Please, brother. I don't ask much of you. This is a little
thing to do for me. Please stay here," but brother laughed and went to
the kitchen without so much as answering her.

When the door closed on Tom, Rita stood for a moment in front of the
fireplace, and, covering her face with her hands, began to weep.
Williams approached her, overflowing with consolation, and placed his
hand caressingly upon her arm. She sprang from him as if she had been
stung, and cried out:--

"Don't put your hand on me! Don't touch me!" She stepped backward toward
the door leading upstairs to her room.

"Why, Rita," said Williams, "I did not intend anything wrong. I would
not offend you for all the world. You are nervous, Rita, and--and--"

"Don't call me Rita," she interrupted, sobbing. "I hate--I hate--" she
was going to say "I hate you," but said,--"the name."

He still approached her, though she had been retreating backward step by
step. He had no thought of touching her; but as he came toward her, she
lost self-control and almost screamed:--

"Do