It was quite dark now. He put his arm about her and drew her nearer, nearer, and ceased to kiss her hand.
"Oh, my darling; here I am keeping you out in the cold! Are you almost frozen? And I came to hear about Annis. I have been wondering if I should ever meet you where I could say a word—"
"Annis is your very good friend. So was Charles. And papa was fearfully angry at my folly. They were all on your side."
"And now you are on my side?"
"Yes," with a soft, happy little laugh.
Then he knocked again. This time Julius heard, and answered.
Annis was sitting on the floor, playing with the baby, who was laughing and cooing.
"I thought you wouldn't come—ever!" she said vehemently. "I had a headache yesterday, and Patty wouldn't let me go to school, but the doctor said it didn't amount to anything. It was funny, though. Jaqueline, where did you find him?"
"On the stoop," and Jaqueline gave a queer little laugh. How soft and shining her eyes were, and her cheeks were like pink roses just in bloom. Annis felt something mysterious stirring in the air. Then Jaqueline ran away.
"Did you ask her?" Annis raised her clear eyes with a sweet, solemn light.