She made a little inarticulate call, and he turned quickly.
"What is it, Lois ?" he asked, coming toward her.
"I didn't say--I--didn't like you," she whispered faintly.
"Lois!" "I didn't say so." "Lois, do you?
Answer me quick." She hid her face again.
"Lois, you must answer me now." "I like you well enough, but I can't marry you." "Lois, is there any fellow in Green River that wants you?
Is that the reason ?" She shook her head.

"I can't ever marry anybody," she said, and her voice was suddenly quite firm.

She wiped her eyes.
Francis sat down beside her.

"O Lois, you do love me, after all ?" "I can't marry you," said she.
"Why not, dear ?" "I can't.

You mustn't ask me why." Francis looked down at her half laughing.