"Yes."
"Better than Gil Blair?"
"Yes."
"They're the ones I most feared. And mostly because I didn't want to go on a trip with a man I'm jealous of! That would be a fine kettle of fish!"
"Well, you won't do that. Don't worry about them,—or any one else."
"Oh, you blessed little girl! Carly, dearest, why can't you say yes, now? Won't you, Carly,—please."
The caressing voice was low and gentle, the pleading blue eyes were very earnest, but Carlotta still shook her head.
"When you come back," she repeated.
"All right, then," and Peter's face showed one of its masterful looks. "I'll accept your decree,—as I can't very well help myself, but just as sure as you're sitting there, Carly Harper, I'm going to kiss you!"
And he did; gathering her into his arms with a gentle insistence and kissing her squarely on her surprised red lips.