"Yes, I see it," her tone was gentler.
"I've chosen that site for a home," he went on, "and I'm saving a good strip of pine—you can see it over there against the horizon. I've half a mind to take down my axe and cut down the biggest of the trees this afternoon!"
If his ardour touched her there was no sign of it in the movement with which she withdrew herself from his grasp.
"You'd better finish your grinding. There isn't the least bit of a hurry," she returned with a smile.
"If you'll go with me, Molly, you may take your choice and I'll cut the tree down for you."
"But I can't, Abel, because I've promised Mr. Mullen to visit his mother."
The glow faded from his eyes and a look like that of an animal under the lash took its place.
"Come with me, not with him, Molly, you owe me that much," he entreated.
"But he's such a good man, and he preaches such beautiful sermons."
"He does—I know he does, but I love you a thousand times better."