“I don’t like it,” said Justin. “I don’t like the idea. I don’t like it at all. Teaching! I don’t know what’s got into you,” he grumbled. He was not thinking of her and she knew it. Yet his annoyance was an exquisite gratification. She knew that he would miss her, but she had not expected that he would realize it beforehand. She had looked for interest, congratulation even. She had not dared hope for concern. “You know,” he pursued, “the old lady won’t like it either. She’s got so used to you.” He was distinctly worried. “So have I, for that matter,” he volunteered. He fidgeted with his ear. “It’s a problem,” he said. Laura said nothing. “Isn’t it?” he appealed to her in his turn. She roused herself. “Oh no! I’ve practically decided it all. Aunt Adela will expect me to make up her mind, just as Gran’papa does for her now. It will work all right.” “There are all those eggs and things to be seen to when I’m away. And not a maid I can trust!” He laughed; yet there was a touch of real injury in his tone. “I suppose you haven’t thought of that?” “Oh, Justin—I’d stay if I could,” said Laura piteously. “You don’t suppose I shall enjoy leaving—home?” “Well, but—look here——” He paused again. “I shall be back for all the holidays,” she consoled herself and him. “And your mother isn’t bed-ridden, you know. There’ll be plenty to take my place.” “Yes, but she’ll miss you.” “I hope so,” said Laura wistfully. He flushed. “I daresay you’ll be surprised to hear me say so,” he prepared her, “but so shall I.” Laura glowed. “I’m awfully glad.” “But why should you——” he began again. “Not yet, Justin. Gran’papa may live another two years. But he’s breaking up. I noticed the difference at once. It’s the winter that the doctor is afraid of—poor Gran’papa!” “But even then——” Justin pursued his own thoughts. Then with an effort: “Look here! Why shouldn’t you—Why shouldn’t we—I mean——Look here, Laura! Would you care to stay on here—marry me? Then we needn’t have any upset.” “Justin!” “Will you? Honestly—it wouldn’t be a bit a bad idea.” Laura faced him with grave, scarlet-cheeked dignity. “I don’t think—I don’t think—I don’t like that sort of joke. It’s not like you. It’s hateful!” She was intensely distressed. He opened his serious eyes. “Joke?” She stared at him, lips parted. “Justin! You can’t mean—you couldn’t mean——Aren’t you pulling my leg? Justin, you couldn’t possibly be in earnest?” Some depth in his nature was stirred by her tone. He leant forward quite eagerly. “Will you marry me, then? Naturally I’m in earnest. I’m awfully fond of you—really. And the old lady will be tremendously pleased. Will you marry me?” She looked at him, breathless, her lips trembling, day dawning in her eyes. “Oh, Justin—oh, Justin—what do you think? Of course I will!” “That’s all right then!”