She hoped Nancy Ellen would see that she was tired and dusty, and should have time to brush and make herself more presentable to meet a stranger, and so Nancy Ellen did; for which reason she immediately arose and came to the gate, followed by her suitor whom she at once introduced.

Kate was in no mood for words; one glance at her proved to Robert Gray that she was tired and dusty, that there were tear marks dried on her face.

They hastily shook hands, but neither mentioned the previous meeting.

Excusing herself Kate went into the house saying she would soon return.
Nancy Ellen glanced at Robert, and saw the look of concern on his face.
"I believe she has been crying," she said.

"And if she has, it's something new, for I never saw a tear on her face before in my life." "Truly ?" he questioned in amazement.
"Why, of course! The Bates family are not weepers." "So I have heard," said the man, rather dryly.
Nancy Ellen resented his tone.
"Would you like us better if we were ?" "I couldn't like you better than I do, but because of what I have heard and seen, it naturally makes me wonder what could have happened that has made her cry." "We are rather outspoken, and not at all secretive," said Nancy Ellen, carelessly, "you will soon know." Kate followed the walk around the house and entered at the side door, finding her father and mother in the dining room reading the weekly papers.