The next moment he was rapidly overtaking the advance-party.
By all conventions there should have been an embarrassing pause after this extraordinary colloquy, but there was not.

When Peter decided to do a thing, he never faltered in the doing.

If making love or declaring it had been a matter of directness and plain-speaking, Peter would have been a successful lover.

But few girls are won by lovers who carry business methods and habits of speech into their courtship.
"Miss Pierce," said Peter, "I could not go without thanking you for your kindness to me.

I shall never forget this week." "I am so glad you have enjoyed it," almost sang Miss Pierce, in her pleasure at this reward for her week of self-sacrifice.
"And I couldn't go," said Peter, his clear voice suddenly husking, "without telling you how I love you." "Love me!" exclaimed Miss Pierce, and she brought the walk again to a halt, in her surprise.
"Yes," replied Peter simply, but the monosyllable meant more than the strongest protestations, as he said it.
"Oh," almost cried his companion, "I am so sorry." "Don't say that," said Peter; "I don't want it to be a sorrow to you." "But it's so sudden," gasped Miss Pierce.
"I suppose it is," said Peter, "but I love you and can't help telling it.