"Oh--as you think best, Fan; I didn't mean to interfere," said he awkwardly.

He turned on Susan with his affection in his eyes.

"Well, Brownie, it looks like chess with your old uncle, doesn't it ?" Susan's bosom was swelling, her lip trembling.

"I--I----" she began.

She choked back the sobs, faltered out: "I don't think I could, Uncle," and rushed from the room.
There was an uncomfortable pause.