CHAPTER XXIV.
MAX MAKES A STAND AND A DISCOVERY.
There was a pause, and then Carrie, without answering him, turned to go back into the house. But Max followed and caught her by the arm.
"Carrie," said he, "they're making a slave of you, without a word of thanks. You look worn out."
"No, I'm not," said she, briskly. "I've only taken my turns; I should look all right if it hadn't been for that long, tiring journey yesterday. I haven't quite got over that yet."
She was trying to free her hand, which Max was holding in his.
"You'll never be strong enough for a hospital nurse, Carrie!"
"Oh, yes, but I shall!" retorted she. And as she spoke, the pink color, the absence of which made her usually look so delicate, came into her cheeks. "And you must remember that I shall be better fed, better clothed then. I am not really weak at all."
"I repeat—you will never be strong enough for a nurse. Better take my advice and marry me, Carrie!"
But at that, a sudden impulse of hot anger gave the girl the necessary strength to snatch her hand away from him. She faced him fiercely.