“He’s been here an hour and ten minutes. I’m going to tell Papa on you just as soon as I get home.” “Go back to your dancing.” “No, thank you, I have an engagement to take a walk with your beau. Come Mr. Gaston.” They walked to the spring and along the winding path by the brook at the foot of the hill, and found a rustic seat. They were both silent for several moments. “I saw you were charming Mama, or I would have come sooner.” “I hope she likes me.” “She has been praising you ever since your visit to Independence. I never saw her talk so long to a young man in my life before. You must have hypnotised her.” “I hope so.” A strange happiness filled her heart. She was afraid to look it in the face; and yet she dared to play with the thought. “Are you enjoying your triumph to-night? I’ve had war inside.” “I feel like I am the Emperor of the World and that the Evening Star is smiling on my court!” She smiled, tossed her head, leaned against the tree and said, “I wonder if you are in the habit of saying things like that to girls?” “Upon my soul and honour, no.” “Then thanks. I ’ll dream about that, maybe.” They returned to the hotel and McLeod claimed her. They went back the same walk, and by a freak of fate he chose the same seat she had just vacated with Gaston. “Miss Sallie, you are of age now. You know that I have loved you passionately since you were a child. I have made my way in life, I am hungry for a home and your love to glorify it. Why will you keep me waiting?” “Simply because I know now I do not love you, Allan, and I never will. Once and forever, here, to-night I give you my last answer, I will not be your wife.” “Then don’t give the answer to-night. I can wait,” he interrupted. “I am just on the threshold of a great career. Success is sure. I can offer you a dazzling position. Don’t give me such an answer. Leave the old answer--to wait.” “No, I will not. I do not love you. If you were to become the President, it would not change this fact, and it is everything.” “Then you love another.” “That is none of your business, sir. I have known you since childhood. I have had ample time to know my own mind.” “All right, we will say good-bye for the present. You have made me a laughing stock of young fools, but I can stand it. I’ll not give you up, and if I can’t have you, no other man shall.” “If you leave my will out of the calculation, you will make a fatal mistake.” “Women have been known to change their wills.” Before leaving her that night Gaston held her hand for an instant as he bade her good-bye and said, “Miss Sallie, I thank you with inexpressible gratitude for the honour you have done me.” “I’ve just been wondering what you have done to deserve it?” “Absolutely nothing,--that’s why it is so sweet. This has been the happiest day I ever lived. I cannot see you again before you go. I leave to-morrow on urgent business. May I come to Independence to see you?” “Yes, I ’ll be delighted to see you. Good-night.”