"I purposed going on to my own homestead, and only called to acquaint Colonel Barrington with my arrival." Miss Barrington laughed pleasantly.

"That," she said, "was neither dutiful nor friendly.

I should have fancied you would also have desired to pay your respects to my niece and me." Winston was not quite sure what he answered, but he drew in a deep breath, for he had made the plunge and felt that the worst was over.
His companion evidently noticed the gasp of relief.
"It was something of an ordeal ?" she said.
Winston looked down upon her gravely, and Miss Barrington noticed a steadiness in his eyes she had not expected to see.

"It was, and I feel guilty because I was horribly afraid," he said.

"Now I only wonder if you will always be equally kind to me." Miss Barrington smiled a little, but the man fancied there was a just perceptible tightening of the hand upon his arm.