He shook his head, still smiling. “Shot would be better fun,” he said; “you mustn’t invite shopkeepers, Miss Kitty.” Kitty pouted, but a red streak went up to her hair. She knew she would be teased by her intimates later for that very thing. Yet Caleb was a gentleman, and Judge Hollis loved him; Kitty was not sure that she could not love him herself if he tried to make her, but he never did, and he looked as detached now as a pyramid of Egypt, which was a nettle to her vanity. “Will you come?” she demanded, leaning on the counter and nestling her little round chin into the hollow of her hands. Something in the gesture made him think of Diana--if Kitty had but known it! “Can’t you let me off?” he asked good-naturedly. She shook her head. “Please come,” she said. “I bet Judge Hollis a dollar that I’d make you--and I’ll have to go without my dollar if you refuse; he swore you would.” “Suppose you let me pay the debt, Miss Kitty?” Caleb smiled. She shook her head. “Oh, it’s more than the money,” she protested. “He’ll say I couldn’t get you to come. I’ve got some pride about it; I hate to be laughed at.” “So do I,” sympathized Trench, “and they’ll laugh at me for going. They’ll call me the Yankee shopkeeper--but I’ll go.” She clapped her hands delightedly. “Really? Honor bright?” “Honor bright,” he affirmed; “will you dance with me, Miss Broughton?” “The very first dance,” laughed Kitty. “You’re the captive of my bow and spear. You’ll be angry, too, for everybody wants to dance first with Diana Royall. She’s the belle, and her sprained ankle’s well again. Was it true that you carried her in out of the rain?” she asked curiously, her blue eyes dancing. “I didn’t know you gossiped,” parried Trench. “Oh, I love it!” she protested, “and Diana won’t tell me. It sounds so romantic, too. I’ll know, though--because you’ll ask her to dance next if you did.” “I don’t think you will know,” said Caleb. She looked across the counter at him, her head on one side. “Why won’t you tell me?” “Ask Miss Royall,” he suggested quietly. “I know it’s true now!” Kitty cried. “Go home and mind your own business, you minx!” said Judge Hollis, suddenly appearing, his large figure filling the door. “Don’t let her waste your time, Caleb,--the idlest little girl in the county.” “I’ve won my dollar!” cried Kitty, presenting an ungloved little hand, the pink palm up; “pay your debts, sir.” The judge laughed and drew out a silver dollar. “Are you going, Caleb?” he asked. “I won’t pay till I’m certain; the baggage fleeces me.” “I’ve promised,” said Caleb, smiling; “she’s fairly earned it, Judge.” “There it is, miss,” said the judge and kissed her. “Now go home!” Kitty laughed. “I can’t,” she said, “I’ve got a dollar more to spend at Eshcol. I’m going into town. Good-bye, and be sure you come, Mr. Trench.” “He will,” said the judge firmly, “or you’ll refund that dollar.”