"I will try," she said, looking up frankly, with no trace of coquetry in her voice or manner.
There had been moments when Kenneth's love for Esther had led him to speak dearer words to her than her apparent interest in him would warrant. At such times she would retire within herself, surrounded by an impenetrable reserve. Kenneth Hastings was the only one she ever treated icily. One day he would be transported to the seventh heaven; another, he would sink to the deeps of gloom.
It was several days after this ride that he chanced to meet Esther in the path along the river road. He stopped her, and asked abruptly:
"Why do you treat me so frigidly sometimes?"
"Do I?" she asked in surprise.
He remained silent.
"Do I?" she said, repeating her question.
"Yes, you do. Why do you treat me so?"
She looked distressed.
"I didn't realize I had treated you discourteously, Mr. Hastings. If I did, it was because I am afraid of you."