"Mr. Sasnett!" exclaimed Selah, as he advanced from the deep shade of an elm tree beside the road, where he appeared to have been standing. "No, not 'Mr. Sasnett!' I left him an hour since, vainly contending with Susan Walton, in the effort to gain her consent for the bank to extend the loan to the Acres Mercantile Company another six months, and----" Selah laughed. "Don't interrupt, Minerva! I say that I left this fellow Sasnett imploring her, paying her undue compliments with this charitable end in view, while Acres waited outside the door of the directors' room. This poor adventurer whom you behold bound at present to your chariot wheel, is none other than 'Bob,'" he concluded, smiling up at her with whimsical audacity. "But what are you doing out here at this hour? It's almost tea time," she exclaimed with well-simulated innocence. "Waiting for you," he replied, accusing her innocence with a stare so bold that she blushed. "That was kind of you. Get in!" she said, thrusting the door of the car open and making room for him on the seat. "It is not my idea to return to the er--goddess-ridden metropolis of Jordantown as the obvious captive of Minerva," he replied, backing off. "I ventured to hope that you would descend and walk back with me," he explained. "I can't," she objected, "I always try to be home when father comes, and it's already late." "Old boy won't be in for another hour. He's having his wheat thrashed; met one of the men taking more sacks out just now. He says it will be nine o'clock before they finish." Still she hesitated, looking down at him. "Come!" he insisted, "I've something very important to tell you." "Are you sure it's important?" she asked waveringly. "Absolutely! Whole future of your movement, as you call it, may depend upon it!" he assured her with suspicious gravity. "Very well, then, I'll come," she agreed, allowing him to assist her down into the road. "Drive on, Charles!" Sasnett commanded, surreptitiously placing a dollar in the negro's hand to insure a quick departure. The car sprang forward, disregarding all speed limits, leaving the two lovers veiled in yellow dust, which lifted presently, wind blown, rolling out over the fields beyond like dried sunlight. The road lay before them, a golden band between widespreading trees, fading into the shadows of evening. They walked in silence, Selah waiting for what he should tell her, wondering vaguely if at last the men had divined their plans, and if this was the news he brought. She feared it might be something disagreeable, since he was in no hurry to begin. She looked at him surreptitiously, and flushed to find that he was also regarding her in the same sidewise, secret manner. "Well, what is it?" she demanded quickly to cover her embarrassment. "What is what?" he asked innocently. "The important something that you have to tell me." "That I love you," he answered shamelessly. "Oh!" exclaimed Selah, looking unutterable reproach.