He patted her hand softly.
"We've kept to the compact, haven't we? The compact we made at Alma? You trust me, don't you?"
"Of course! You're all right—you're true blue. I couldn't distrust you. You'll always be the Maid of Alma. It was a game thing you did for me. Nobody else would have done it. You have helped me, but I can't tell you what a corner I'm in." He paused and looked at her intensely. "Fancy—you haven't forgotten—have you?"
She forced a trembling smile, as she said bravely:
"'No fair falling in love'?"
"Yes."
She shook out a laugh and stroked his hand, looking up at him through her tears. "Oh, no danger of that, Frank. You don't know me. I'm all right, sure! Only—and I owe you so much! You've taught me everything. If I could only do something to prove that I'm worth it."
"You can—that's the trouble. I believe I'm almost cur enough to ask it of you."
"What is it? Tell me, quick! You know I'd black your boots for you. I'd do anything."
"Did you notice Miss Payson's face when she saw you?"