The Adam's apple in his wrinkled throat tightened threateningly, and to keep down any unmanly weakness it indicated he fell upon the hay savagely, but the suspicion stayed with him and left its bitter sting. CHAPTER VI "DIDN'T TAKE 'EM LONG" John Hunter and Elizabeth Farnshaw rode away in the cool summer evening, wholly unconscious of the thoughts of others. The sun had dropped behind the low hills in front of them, and as they rode along, the light-floating clouds were dyed blazing tints of red and gold, as glowing and rosy as life itself appeared to the young pair. Elizabeth took off her hat and let the cool evening breeze blow through the waves of hair on her temples and about the smooth braids which, because of the heat of the prematurely hot summer day, had been wound about her head. Her eyes were dreamy and her manner detached as she let the pony wander a half length ahead of its companion, and she was unaware that John was not talking. She was just drinking in the freshness of the evening breeze and sky, scarcely conscious of any of her surroundings, glad as a kitten to be alive, and as unaware of self as a young animal should be. John Hunter rode at her side, watching the soft curls on her round girlish neck, athrob and athrill with her presence, and trying to formulate the thing he had brought her out to say. It was not till they were turning into the lane beside the new house that his companion realized that he had been more than usually quiet. "You are a Quaker to-night, evidently, and do not speak till the spirit moves, Mr. Hunter," she said, facing about near the gateway and waiting for him to ride alongside. The young man caught the cue. "I wish you would call me John. I've been intending to ask you for some time. I have a given name," he added. "Will you do the same?" she asked. "Call myself John?" he replied. They both laughed as if a great witticism had been perpetrated. "No, call me by my given name." "Lizzie, Bess, Elizabeth, or Sis?" he asked, remembering the various nicknames of her family. "You may call me whatever you choose," she answered, drawing the pony up where they were to dismount. John Hunter stepped to the ground and with his bridle rein over his arm came around to the left side of her pony. Laying one hand on its neck and the other on the hand that grasped its bridle, he looked up into her face earnestly and said: "I would like to call you 'Wife,' if I may, Elizabeth," and held up his arms quickly to help her from the saddle. When she was on the ground before him he barred her way and stood, pulsing and insistent, waiting for her answer. It was a full minute before either moved, she looking down at their feet, he looking at her and trying to be sure he could push his claims. When Elizabeth did look up it was with her eyes brimming shyly over with happy tears, and without waiting for her answer in words, John Hunter gathered her into his arms and smothered her face in kisses.