“Thank you, dear. I can’t even tie my cravat or wash my hand without help.” He brought the car to a halt at the top of the hill. “This is where we left the road three years ago. Let’s go over and look at the thorn-apple again.” “I’d a little rather not. You’ll want me to sit down, and the ground is too damp for this dress.” “Gratia, you are cruel not to give me the right atmosphere for what I am going to say.” “You don’t have to say it.” “But I do. Gratia, will you please marry me?” “I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.” “Don’t you love me?” “I can’t say that I do.” “Have I offended you?” “No. Do you love me?” “No, ma’am.” “Then everything is all right. I’m glad it’s over.” They continued their drive, and the sunshine seemed brighter. “Marvin, your father was simply horrid to my father.” “I know. By the way, it seems that all the trouble started with Jimmy. Tell me about him.” “Why, father has invited him to dinner six times.” “I suppose it’s a mark of favor when your father invites a man to dinner. I called on him in the hope of such a favor myself, but he opened the door and showed me out.” “Father opened the door for you! He never did that for Jimmy. Did you tell him you wanted to marry me?” “No.” “What did you tell him?” “Why, merely that I intended to ask you. Tell me more about Jimmy.” “Well, father keeps raising his salary.” “Fine! Jimmy is all wool and a yard wide.” “Marvin—” “Yes, dear.” “Hogs are a yard wide, but they are not woolly.” “Gratia, have I lived to hear you make a joke? I’ll act on the suggestion the minute I get back home. Jimmy shall change his name.” “I don’t think you are very delicate.” “Well, let’s be delicate. Let’s go and call on his mother.” Gratia could not object, but when they approached the little orchard and saw the white shawl on the porch as of yore, she said she would wait in the car. Marvin ran up the driveway, and kissed Susan Endicott Hogg before she could escape him. Susan however had caught sight of Gratia and was plainly furious. Never in her life had she so felt the need of controlling her temper. But she did control it. She welcomed her unwelcome guest. She told him he was a hero. He assured her that he was no such thing, but only a blind Bwan—a term that he had to explain. She listened to the details, but her mind was obviously on that lost daughter-in-law out in the car. When the painful interview was over, Marvin carried his lost love back to Eglantine in the highest good humor. They made a stunning pair when they walked into Miss Coggeshall’s office. Miss Kate looked up. Marvin stood with his arm around Gratia, and the pale gold of her beautiful hair was shadowed by the auburn above it. “Am I to congratulate you?” “Yes! We’re not going to get married.” Chapter 24. Chromium