"It would be a very poor partnership," said Shirley, in a half-whisper, after a minute--and Peter’s heart stopped beating--"if the serving were all on one side"--and Peter’s heart went thumping on again, though not in proper rhythm. "Partnership! _Is_ it a partnership, Shirley?" She nodded. But she moved three steps out of reach. Peter made a hasty movement, and both crutches slipped down to the floor with a crash, and slid away off the edge of the porch to the ground. Peter glared after them. Then he looked at Shirley, standing there, rose-cheeked, her tear-wet eyes now full of laughter. "Oh, _please_ get them for me, dear!" he pleaded. "Or--no--never mind the crutches! Just--_come here_!"