"I like you, Miss Wallace."
"I am very glad that you do."
"Does that big man like you, too?" Bessie innocently asked, and then wondered why her teacher's face grew pink. Before Barbara had time to reply she heard a heavy step, and looking up saw Will Flint, the "big man," standing in the doorway and smiling at what he thought was a pretty picture.
"Don't come in," said Barbara, in alarm.
"Why, Barbara, what—" he began as he walked toward her.
"Don't, please—Will," pleaded Barbara. "Please go outside, and then I will explain."
Will backed slowly out of the door, wondering what had happened to cause Barbara to speak and act so strangely. When he had closed the door Barbara put Bessie down, and went to an open window. Will felt relieved when he looked up and saw her smiling.
"We discovered diphtheria among the children to-day, and I didn't want you to be exposed," she explained.
"How about yourself?" he asked, bluntly.