“I reckon you don’t know Aunt India,” laughed Holly. “If she says you can’t stay, you can’t, and it wouldn’t do a mite of good if I talked myself black in the face.” Holly turned toward the house and he followed. “You think, then,” he asked, “that there’s nothing more we can do to influence Fate in my behalf?” [Illustration] Holly ran lightly up the steps, tossed the flowers in a heap on the porch, and sat down with her back against a pillar. Then she pointed to the opposite side of the steps. “Sit down there,” she commanded. [Illustration] Winthrop bowed and obeyed. Holly clasped her hands about her knees, and looked across at him with merry eyes. “Mr. Winthrop.” “Madam?” “What will you give me if I let you stay?” “Pardon my incredulity,” replied Winthrop, “but is your permission all that is necessary?” Holly nodded her head many times. “If I say you can stay, you can,” she said, decisively. “Then in exchange for your permission I will give you half my kingdom,” answered Winthrop, gravely. “Oh, I don’t think I could use half a kingdom. It would be like owning half a horse, wouldn’t it? Supposing I wanted my half to go and the other half wouldn’t?” “Then take it all.” “No, because I reckon your kingdom’s up North, and I wouldn’t want a kingdom I couldn’t live in. It will have to be something else, I reckon.” “And I have so little with me,” mourned Winthrop. “I dare say you wouldn’t have any use for a winter overcoat or a pair of patent-leather shoes? They’re about all I have to offer.” “No,” laughed Holly; “anyhow, not the overcoat. Do you think the shoes would fit me?” She advanced one little slippered foot from beyond the hem of her skirt. Winthrop looked, and shook his head. “Honestly, I’m afraid not,” he said. “I don’t believe I ever saw a shoe that would fit you, Miss Holly.” Holly acknowledged the compliment with a ceremonious bow and a little laugh. “I didn’t know you Northerners could pay compliments,” she said. “We are a very adaptable people,” answered Winthrop, “and pride ourselves on being able to face any situation.” “But you haven’t told me what you’ll give me, Mr. Winthrop.” “I have exhausted my treasures, Miss Holly. There remains only myself. I throw myself at your feet, my dear young lady; I will be your slave for life.” “Oh, I thought you Northerners didn’t believe in slavery,” said Holly. “We don’t believe in compulsory slavery, Miss Holly. To be a slave to Beauty is always a pleasure.” “Another compliment!” cried Holly. “Two before breakfast!” “And the day is still young,” laughed Winthrop. “Oh, I won’t demand any more, Mr. Winthrop; you’ve done your duty already.” “As you like; I am your slave.” “How lovely! I never had a slave before,” said Holly, reflectively. “I fear your memory is poor, Miss Holly. I’ll wager you’ve had, and doubtless still have, a score of them quite as willing as I.” Holly blushed a little, but shook her head.