"Don't do that; it isn't safe; there might be a snake hidden in the fern."
She laughed, but did not move her hands. Then he took them in his and drew her away from the pot where he feared danger might lurk.
"Eola, will you come and make my house a home for me? I want you; I can't live without you," he concluded with a strong man's passion.
She looked up at him suddenly serious.
"Think how far I fall short of the ideal! I—— Oh, really you are the most masterful man I ever met. Mr. Alderbury——!" And then her head dropped and she surrendered.
"Are you converted to my way of thinking," he said at last. "Or, shall I continue my arguments?"
"I am quite converted; quite!" she replied, and her eyes shone.
"Then I may tell you a secret. Whatever my figure may be in Mrs. Hulver's opinion, the gaiters and apron are looming in the distance. I heard from England by the last mail that I have been nominated for a colonial bishopric;" and he named the diocese.
"What fun it will be to see the dear old woman's face when she hears of it!"
He drew her down to a seat among the ferns.