"It is for the women," he said, his boyish voice quite steady. "Shall we draw lots, or will you let me go?"
"Bertie, Bertie!" John exclaimed, and, rising abruptly, walked to the rail.
When he came back to the seat beside his brother, it was with his face turned from the silver light pouring through the arches of the veranda.
"We are spared the pain of choosing our rôles, Bertie," he declared with grave finality. "The decision is not ours. Theodora cares for one of us. Aunt Rose admitted as much to me, although she herself could not say which. Of course that one is the one who stays. You see I am just taking it for granted that we both love her. We have never talked about it, but we knew, I think."
"Yes."
John waited, but no more was volunteered.
"You agree with me?" he at last questioned.
"Oh, I suppose so!" Robert flung savagely. "John, I am not blind; if you propose this, it is because you are satisfied Theo will choose me. If you sacrifice everything to save Sun-Kist for the women, it is because you mean the sacrifice to be yourself. Tell the truth; if I were to go, you would refuse to carry out the plan."
"I said either of us could do the work."
"Yes, but you mean to do it yourself."