"Out of what, then ?" he cried hoarsely.

"Out of what, then, if not out of love ?" "Why, out of pity, my little gentleman!" she answered sharply.

"And trouble thrown away, it seems.

Love!" And she laughed so merrily and spontaneously it cut him to the heart.

"No; but you said a dainty thing or two, and smiled a smile; and like a fool, and like a woman, I was sorry for the innocent calf that bleated so prettily on its way to the butcher's! And I would lock you up, and save your life, I thought, until the blood-letting was over.