r breast, holding him closely. Her head drooped over his,
her lips were on his hair. So an instant, then her arms dropped. He
lifted a convulsed, white face.

"Dear Lord!" he whispered. "You--you didn't mean that, Elnora! You----
What made you do it?"

"You--you looked so boyish!" panted Elnora. "I didn't mean it! I--I
forgot that you were older than Billy. Look--look at the ring!"

"'The Queen can do no wrong,'" quoted Philip between his set teeth. "But
don't you do that again, Elnora, unless you do mean it. Kings are not so
good as queens, and there is a limit with all men. As you say, we will
look at your ring. It seems very lovely to me. Suppose you leave it
on until time for me to go. Please do! I have heard of mute appeals;
perhaps it will plead for me. I am wild for your lips this afternoon. I
am going to take your hands."

He caught both of them and covered them with kisses.

"Elnora," he said, "Will you be my wife?"

"I must have a little more time," she whispered. "I must be absolutely
certain, for when I say yes, and give myself to you, only death shall
part us. I would not give you up. So I want a little more time--but, I
think I will."

"Thank you," said Philip. "If at any time you feel that you have reached
a decision, will you tell me? Will you promise me to tell me instantly,
or shall I keep asking you until the time comes?"

"You make it difficult," said Elnora. "But I will promise you that.
Whenever the last doubt vanishes, I will let you know instantly--if I
can."

"Would it be difficult for you?" whispered Ammon.

"I--I don't know," faltered Elnora.

"It seems as if I can't be man enough to put this thought aside and give
up this afternoon," said Philip. "I am ashamed of myself, but I can't
help it. I am going to ask God to make that last doubt vanish before I
go this night. I am going to believe that ring will plead for me. I am
going to hope that doubt will disappear suddenly. I will be watching.
Every second I will be watching. If it happens and you can't speak,
give me your hand. Just the least movement toward me, I will understand.
Would it help you to talk this over with your mother? Shall I call her?
Shall I----?"

Honk! Honk! Honk! Hart Henderson set the horn of the big automobile
going as it shot from behind the trees lining the Brushwood road. The
picture of a vine-covered cabin, a large drooping tree, a green-clad
girl and a man bending over her very closely flashed into vie