I didn't know how you felt about it." Then Maria turned slightly.

He leaned closer.
"I told you how I felt," she whispered back.
"You mean what you wrote ?" "Yes, what I wrote." "You don't want me to tell at all ?" "Never, as long as you live." "How about her ?" "Gladys ?" "Yes, confound her!" "She won't tell.

She won't dare to." Wollaston was silent for a moment, then he whispered again.

"Well," he said, "I want to do what you want me to and what is honorable.

Of course, we are both young, and I haven't any money except what father gives me, but I am willing to quit school to-morrow and go to work.
You needn't think I mean to back out and show the white feather.