"He wants a woman to look after him. He practically proposed to me half an hour ago—didn't you?"
"Practically."
"Nora! You've been like cat and dog with Frank ever since you came. My dear, you don't know what you're in for."
"If he's willing to risk it, I am."
"It ain't an easy life you're coming to. This farm is a palace compared with my shack."
"I'm not wanted here and you say you want me. If you'll take me, I'll come."
For what seemed an interminable moment, he had looked at her with more gravity than she had ever seen in his face.
"I'll take you, all right. When will you be ready? Will an hour do for you?"
"An hour! You're in a great hurry." She had had a funny sensation that her knees were giving way. She had never fainted in her life. Was she going to faint now before them all? Before Gertie? Never! Somehow she must get out of the room and be alone a minute.
"Why, yes. Then we can catch the three-thirty into Winnipeg. You can go to the Y. W. C. A. for the night and we'll be buckled up in the morning. You meant it, didn't you? You weren't just saying it as a bluff?"