"But you will come sometime, when you have quite forgiven me," and the adorable tenderness in her tone reawakened hope. After all, Archie was not looking forward to marriage. Jeffrey Andsdell had not even entered his mind.
She went in, and threw aside her hat.
"Did you have a nice walk? You came back soon."
"No, I did not. Ned neither." She went and stood straight before her mother, pale, yet with a certain dignity.
"You did not quarrel, I hope. Is it true he is charmed by Bessy?"
"He asked me to love him. He wants to marry me;" in a tone that was almost a cry.
"Well?" subjoined her mother. The young lieutenant was a favorite with her, worth any girl's acceptance, in her estimation.
"I—I don't understand about love. To give away your whole life, years and years;" and she shivered.
"But if you loved him, if you were glad to do it;" and the mother's tone was encouraging.
"Ah. I think one ought to be glad. And I wasn't glad when he kissed me." Her face was scarlet now, her bosom heaving with indignation, her eyes full of protest.