Harwood paused and waited for the two loiterers to cross the lighted space about the little park's central fountain.

It seemed incredible that Marian and Allen should be abroad together in this dallying fashion.

His anger rose against Allen, but he curbed an impulse to send him promptly about his business and take Marian back to the Whitcomb.

Mr.Bassett was expected in town that evening and Dan saw his duty clearly in regard to Marian; she must be returned to school willy-nilly.
The young people were hitting it off wonderfully, and Marian's laughter rang out clearly upon the winter air.

Her tall, supple figure, her head capped with a fur toque, and more than all, the indubitable evidence that such a clandestine stroll as this gave her the keenest delight, drove home to Harwood the realization that Marian was no longer a child, but a young woman, obstinately bent upon her own way.