“Elsie,” he urged, all palpitant with the intensity of his yearning for her, “be mine—my own little wife—and I’ll guard you and tenderly care for you until you are well and strong again. My strength shall be yours. I’ll bear you over all the rough places in life’s pathway. I’ll shield you from every chill breath of the world. You shall be, as you have been, the star of my ambition. With you near me, I’ll be encouraged and spurred on to do great things in the world. The knowledge that you trust me fully will forever guard me from my weaker self and keep me strong and true.” Young though he was, he instinctively knew that the greatest evil that can befall a man is to be doubted or distrusted by one he deeply loves. The knowledge that a beloved one is absolute in her faith and trust in him has kept many a man true and faithful and exalted, even above his natural self; while doubt, suspicion, and distrust has ruined thousands who were naturally upright and honorable. A man with a conscience that makes him worthy to be called a man is repelled at the thought of betraying one who has proved that she loves and trusts him fully. Bart Hodge had once been wayward and willful—even weak at times; but the friendship and trust of Frank and Elsie had fortified him against temptation and made him strong and manly in every way. He was worthy of Elsie’s love, even though she was a girl among ten thousand. “Bart, dear,” said Elsie gently, “I have thought it all over, and I know it would be a mistake for me to attempt to pass through the strain and excitement at this time. I beg you not to urge me. As you love me, do not insist. I hope the time will come very soon when I shall feel ready to take your name. When that time comes I’ll be the happiest and proudest girl the sun ever shone on.” A sigh of disappointment and resignation came from his fluttering heart. “Man proposes and woman disposes, to alter an old saying,” he smiled regretfully. “I’ve waited, and I can wait longer. It seems that I’ll have to.” He kissed her as he spoke these words. “You dear, good boy!” “You’ll find me ready when you are, sweetheart,” he declared. “I shall not go to Mexico with Frank.” “Oh, I wouldn’t prevent that for anything!” she cried. “If you have planned——” “My plans must be altered, that is all. I’m going to be near you until you are yourself again, little girl.” “And then——” “And then I’ll positively decline to be put off any longer, Miss Perversity.” “I hope you do not think I am perverse.” “I think you are the most bewitchingly perverse little body in all creation; but your very perverseness charms and fascinates me. Girl, you were bewitching in health and strength; but by my life, you’re a hundred times more so now! Why, I just long to do something to shield and protect you. It makes me feel a hundred times stronger than usual to see you pale and weak. You had the face of a flower, but now you have the face of an angel!”