She agreed fervently.
“I wish we could be just as honest with Britt. But we both know what kind of a man he is. The sentiment of 'Love, and the world well lost' is better in a book than it is in this bank just now, as matters stand with us. I have had so many hard knocks in life that I know what they mean, and I want to save you from them. Isn't it best to go along as we are for a little while, till I can see my way to get my feet placed somewhere else?”
“We must do so, Frank—for the time being.” Her candor matched his. “I do need this employment for the sake of my folks. Both of us must be fair to ourselves—not silly. Only—”
Her forehead wrinkled again.
“I know, Vona! Britt's attentions! I'll take it on myself—”
“No,” she broke in, with dignity. “I must make that my own affair. It can be easily settled. It's pure folly on his part. I'll make him understand it when I talk with him this afternoon.”
“But I'll feel like a coward,” he protested, passionately.
She put up her hand and smiled. “You're not a coward, dear! Nor am I a hypocrite. We're just two poor toilers who must do the best we can till the clouds clear away.”
She went to him, and when her hands caressed his cheeks he bent down and kissed her.
Then they applied themselves to their tasks in Mr. Britt's bank.