“No, it is not true. I heard the same report of you. Is that true?” “I don’t know whether it is or not.” Agnes’s eyes fell, and she drew away her hands. “Have you heard?” Parker said gravely. “Did you know that my dear mother is at peace?” “No, I had not heard. I am so sorry for you, but it must have been a comfort to know that you could be with her all these last months of her life.” “It was my comfort and hers, too, I think.” There was silence for a moment. The girl’s brain was in a whirl. He was glad to see her, but ah, if he were to be married, she must not show him how glad she was. “I have just heard a piece of news,” she said at last. “Yes? I hope it is good news. Where did you learn it?” “From Polly. You know the blacksmith’s shop is only second to the store in being a place for choice bits of gossip.” “And your news?” “I heard that Archie M’Clean is to marry a rich widow of Pittsburg.” Parker started forward and grasped Agnes’s hands again. “Then you are not going to marry him?” “I cannot very well, it seems,” she laughed lightly. “Oh, don’t be afraid for me, Mr. Willet; I am not heart-broken, nor even unhappy!” “I am glad of that, yet--” “I did not intend to marry him. I never intended to.” “Yet you told me--” “What did I tell you?” “That you had promised.” “With a proviso.” “Yes, and it was that if neither saw any one more likable--ah, I see, you have found some one more likable, and so it does not trouble you. Ah, I see.” He dropped her hands. “But you said you were not going to be married, then perhaps it is not settled yet.” “And you said you didn’t know whether you were to be or not. I--is it--is it--Alicia? I heard--” “What did you hear?” “That you were every day at her father’s house, and that every one supposed--” “Persons suppose a great deal. I was there every day, because Colonel Southall is my very dear friend, and I went to take him news of my mother. Besides, I found that I could go every day without fearing in the least to meet Alicia. She is to marry some one else, and I am very glad, for he is a good fellow and will make her happy.” “Then it is some other; her sister, maybe. Carter says she is more charming than Alicia, and if you are not certain--if you don’t know whether you are--” “I don’t know, little girl; it all depends upon you. No one else in the wide world can tell me.” “On me? It depends on me?” “Yes, if you will not marry me, I shall be sorry I came back. Agnes, Agnes, can it be that, after all, I misunderstood and that I am the lucky other fellow, the more likable one? Am I, Agnes?” “Ah, my heart’s desire,” breathed the girl, lifting true eyes to his. “Why did you mislead me and send me away so utterly wretched?” Parker asked, as they were rowing across stream.