I stammered a “Thank you” and was silent. I dared not trust myself to speak at the moment. Somehow the sincerity of her words moved me far more than their trifling import warranted. She had declared her belief that I was not a liar, that was all; and yet I stood there fighting down all sorts of ridiculous emotions. The situation was decidedly strained, but, as usual, she saved it. “It seems to me,” she said, with the twinkle which I had learned to recognize as a forerunner of mischief on her part, “that you are inclined to make mountains out of mole-hills, Mr. Paine. Was there any need to be quite so fiercely tragic? And, besides, I think that even now you have not told the whole truth.” “The whole truth? Why, Miss Colton, I have just explained that--” “Oh, not that truth! Your mysterious 'reasons' are not my affair. And I have told you that I was willing to take those on trust. But you have not been quite truthful in another particular. You intimated that you were an idler. I have been given to understand that you are far from being an idler just now.” I was relieved. “Oh, I see!” I exclaimed. “You mean--some one has told you of my employment at the bank.” “A number of persons have told me. Surely you did not expect to keep THAT a secret--in Denboro?” “Well, scarcely,” I admitted, with a laugh. “That was known almost before I was sure of it myself. You should have seen Eldredge's face when I announced my intention. And Lute--Mrs. Rogers' husband--hasn't completely recovered yet. The sight of me, actually trying to earn a living, was too much for him. You see what a miracle worker you are, Miss Colton.” “Did you really accept the position simply because of what I said to you?” “Yes. The chance had been offered me before, but it was your frankness that shocked me into taking it.” “Not really? You are joking.” “No, I'm not. You are responsible. Are you sorry?” Her answer was a question. “Are you?” she asked. “No. At first it seemed ridiculous and strange, even to myself; but now I like the work. It is like old times.” “Old times?” I was forgetting myself again; talking too much was a dangerous train--for me. I laughed, with pretended carelessness. “Why, yes; I was employed in a bank at one time. I think I told you that. Have you been motoring much of late, Miss Colton?” “Yes. Tell me, please: You really like your work?” “Yes, I do.” “Then I will answer your question. I am not a bit sorry. I am glad I was impertinent and intrusive, especially now that I have apologized and you have accepted the apology. I am very glad I told you you should do something worth while.” “Even if it were nothing more than to follow Thoph Newcomb's example and sell fish.” “Yes,” laughingly, “even that. I WAS impertinent, wasn't I! I don't wonder you were offended.”