"On general principles, just because he is such a notional piece of humanity. I admire him, too; I can't help it; all the same he tries me. When you desert me to turn Yankee, Verlinda, I'll make my will and leave this place as a home for indigent females or something of that kind." "How nice," returned Linda comfortably; "then when I grow decrepit I can come back here and have my old room." The little creases appearing around Miss Ri's eyes, showed that she appreciated this retort. "There comes Bertie," she announced a moment after. "Then I'll ask her to walk with me," returned Linda, rising with alacrity. "Doesn't Mr. Jeffreys make his appearance about this time?" "Generally, but I can skip him to-day. I'd rather go with Bertie. Just tell him, Aunt Ri." "That you'd rather go with Bertie?" "Of course not, but that we have gone out for a walk." "Where are you going?" "There's no need of your knowing, is there?" Miss Ri looked up with a smile. "I understand. Go along. I reckon you're right to suggest the unattainable once in a while; it adds to the zest later." And with this Parthian shot following her, Linda left the room to join Bertie. In another moment Miss Ri saw the two girls going out the gate. "I'll not even watch to see which way they turn," she said to herself, letting her gaze fall on her work rather than on the outside world. The dear lady made a good conspirator. "When are you going to announce your engagement?" was one of the first questions Bertie put to her companion, as they set their faces toward the main street. "What do you mean?" asked Linda. "Oh, now Linda Talbot, everyone knows you are engaged to Mr. Jeffreys. You wouldn't be together so continually if you were not." "I think I could mention several young persons in this town who have set a worthy precedent," replied Linda. "Oh, well, of course, but in this case--He isn't the flirty kind, we all know." "He is my cousin," argued Linda in self-defence. Bertie laughed. "We all know that kind of cousin. The Irish maids have flaunted them before our eyes for generations. That won't do, Linda. Own up." "Positively there are none but friendly relations between Wyatt Jeffreys and myself." "Truly? I can scarcely believe it, but there is not a doubt but that there will be different ones, and everyone is thinking it such an ideal arrangement, for of course it is known that he is the claimant for Talbot's Angles." "I am sorry to disappoint my neighbors." "I, for one, don't expect to be disappointed. If I did I would set my cap for the young man myself. I've heard girls talk that way before, and the first thing you knew their wedding cards were out. I don't see how you can possibly give up the joy of owning that dear old home of yours. He'd better not offer himself to me, I'd accept him for Talbot's Angles if for nothing else." Linda winced. It might come to that, perhaps. For the moment she felt annoyed at Bertie who might have been more tactful, she thought.