"Wait," he said: "I am going with you."
A quick step placed him at her side; but she had averted her face. He laid his hand upon her arm.
"Don't touch me!" she exclaimed, shaking off his fingers. "I will not bear it. Take that will to her, and give her your congratulations."
"What?" he cried. "You have heard,—but you cannot have believed"—
"Believed!" she retorted fiercely. "I believe nothing but that she told me"—
"What?" he demanded.
Before she could answer, Dr. Sanford's buggy rolled along towards them.
"Take me home, father," cried poor Patty.
And a moment later Tom Putnam was left alone.