There was a cold dew on the man's forehead the girl could not see. "And your father?" he said. "I would never help anyone against him, as I told you," said the girl. "Still, there are times when his bitterness almost frightens me. It is hard to admit it, even to you, but I can't convince myself that he and the others are not mistaken, too. I can't believe any longer that you are wrong, dear. Besides, though he says very little, I feel he wants me to marry Clavering." "Clavering?" said Larry. "Yes," said Hetty, with a shiver. "I dislike him bitterly--and I should be safe with you." Grant held out his hands. "Then, you must come, my dear. One way or other the struggle will soon be over now, and if I have to go out an outcast I can still shelter you." [Illustration: THERE WAS A NOTE IN HER VOICE THAT SET THE MAN'S HEART BEATING FURIOUSLY.--Page 267.] The girl drew back a pace. "I can't turn against my own people--but yours have turned on you. That makes it easier. If you will take me, dear, we will go away." Grant turned from her, and ground his heel into the snow. He had already given up almost everything that made life bright to him, but he had never felt the bitterness he did at that moment, when he realized that another and heavier sacrifice was demanded of him. "Hetty," he said slowly, "can't you understand? I and the others brought the homesteaders in; this land has fed me and given me all I have, and now I can't go back on it and them. I would not be fit to marry you if I went away." The words were very simple, but the man's voice betrayed what he felt. Hetty understood, and the pride she had no lack of came to the rescue. "Yes," she said with a little sob, "Larry you are right. You will forgive me, dear, for once more tempting you. Perhaps it will all come right by and by. And now I must go." There was a crackle of brittle twigs, and Grant dimly saw Miss Schuyler riding towards them. Reaching out, he took Hetty's hands and drew her closer. "There is just one thing you must promise me, my dear," he said. "If your father insists on your listening to Clavering, you will let me know. Then I will come to Cedar for you, and there are still a few Americans who have not lost confidence in their leader and will come with me. Nothing must make you say yes to him." "No," said Hetty simply. "If I cannot avoid it any other way, I will send for you. I can't wait any longer--and here is Flo." Larry stooped; but before she laid her foot in the hand he held out for her to mount by, Hetty bent her head swiftly, and kissed him. "Now," she said softly, "do you think I could listen to Clavering? You will do what you have to, and I will wait for you. It is hard on us both, dear; but I can't help recognizing my duty, too."