"Phil!" cried Patty, starting back. "Don't, please don't."

"I won't, dear,--I won't call you mine until you say I may,--but, oh,
Patty!"

His voice was so full of deep feeling, his eves pleaded so longingly
for her consent, that Patty's heart went out to him. She was sorry for
him, and she honestly longed to say the word that would give him joy
and gladness forever. But that very feeling taught her the truth about
herself. She knew, in one sudden, illuminating flash, that she didn't
and couldn't love Philip Van Reypen in the way she was sure she wanted
to love and would love the man she should marry.

Nor could she speak lightly or carelessly to him now. It was a crisis.
A good, true man had offered her his love and his life. It was not a
slight thing to be tossed aside as a trifle. If she accepted it, well;
but if not, she must tell him so kindly, and must tell him why. And
Patty didn't know why. In fact, she wasn't sure she didn't want Phil,
after all. He was very big-hearted,--very splendid.

"What are you thinking of, girlie?" he asked, gently, as he watched the
changing expressions on her face.

"I'm trying to be honest with myself, Phil. I'm trying to think out
why it is that I don't say yes to you at once. I suppose you think me
heartless and cold to think it out like this, but, I'm in earnest----"

"So am I, dear, very much in earnest. And, I think, my own Heart's
Dearest, that you're nearer to loving me now than you've ever been.
Nearer saying yes than ever before. And, so, I'm not going to let you
answer now. This isn't the time or place. Somebody may come looking
for us at any moment. You have given me hope, Patty--unconsciously,
you've given me hope for the first time. I'll be satisfied with that,
for now. And, I'll see you soon, in your own home, to hear the rest
from your own lips. Oh, Patty, how _can_ I wait? I can't! Say yes,
_now_,--say it, Patty!"

"No, Phil," and Patty gave him a lovely smile, while her blue eyes
shone like stars; "no, you were right, before. Not here--not now.
Come, let us join the others,--and you come to see me at home--soon."

"Your own sweet way is mine, Patty," and Van Reypen kissed the
trembling little hand he held. "Now, brace up, dear; remember, they'll
all be watching us, even chaffing us. Can you meet them?"

"Yes," and Patty assumed her old mischievous smile. "Carry things off
with a high hand, Phil. That's the way to meet them."

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