Why can't they let a girl marry three men, or as many a want her, and save all this trouble? But this is heresy. and must not say it. I am glad to say that, though I was crying, I as able to look into Mr. Morris brave eyes, and I told him out straight. Yes, there is some one I love, though he has not told me yet that he even loves me: I was right to speak to him so frankly, for quite a light came into his face, and he put out both his hands and took mine, I think put them into his. and said in a hearty way That's my brave girl. It's better worth being late for a chance of winning you than being in time for any other girl in the world. Don't cry, my dear. If it's for me. I'm a hard nut to crack, and I take it standing up. If that other fellow doesn't know his happiness, well, he'd better look for it soon. or he'll have to deal with me. Little girl. your honesty and pluck have made me a friend, and that's rarer than a lover, t's more selfish anyhow. My dear, I'm going to have a pretty lonely walk between this and Kingdom Come. Won't you give me one kiss? It'll be something to keep of the darkness now and then. You can, you know, if you like, for that other good fellow, or you could not love him, hasn't spoken yet. That quite won me, Mina. for it was brave and sweet of him, and noble too, to a rival, wasn't it? And he so sad, so I leant over and kissed him. He stood up with my two hands in his, and as he looked down into my face, I am afraid I was blushing very much he said. Little girl, I hold your hand, and you've kissed m and if these things don't make us friends nothing ever will 87