"That they would cheerfully acquiesce. Now, what would I say if they all consent?"
"I don't know," modestly responded Iola.
"Well," replied Dr. Latimer, "I would say:—
"Could deeds my love discover,
Could valor gain thy charms,
To prove myself thy lover
I'd face a world in arms."
"And prove a good soldier," added Iola, smiling, "when there is no battle to fight."
"Iola, I am in earnest," said Dr. Latimer, passionately. "In the work to which I am devoted every burden will be lighter, every path smoother, if brightened and blessed with your companionship."
A sober expression swept over Iola's face, and, dropping her eyes, she said: "I must have time to think."
Quietly they rode along the river bank until Dr. Latimer broke the silence by saying:—
"Miss Iola, I think that you brood too much over the condition of our people."
"Perhaps I do," she replied, "but they never burn a man in the South that they do not kindle a fire around my soul."