Fulkerson," said Beaton, with a return to what they were saying, "has managed the whole business very well.

But he exaggerates the value of my advice." "Very likely," Alma suggested, vaguely.

"Or, no! Excuse me! He couldn't, he couldn't!" She laughed delightedly at Beaton's foolish look of embarrassment.
He tried to recover his dignity in saying, "He's 'a very good fellow, and he deserves his happiness." "Oh, indeed!" said Alma, perversely.

"Does any one deserve happiness ?" "I know I don't," sighed Beaton.
"You mean you don't get it." "I certainly don't get it." "Ah, but that isn't the reason." "What is ?" "That's the secret of the universe," She bit in her lower lip, and looked at him with eyes, of gleaming fun.
"Are you never serious ?" he asked.
"With serious people always." "I am serious; and you have the secret of my happiness--" He threw himself impulsively forward in his chair.
"Oh, pose, pose!" she cried.
"I won't pose," he answered, "and you have got to listen to me.

You know I'm in love with you; and I know that once you cared for me.