Patty made no reply.
Tom was leaning on the fence, looking out across the valley, but seeing nothing. His mind was in a whirl, for he was saying unto himself, “Now is the time, be a man, speak your heart boldly, for this is the opportunity!”
Twice he tried to bring himself to speak, and twice his heart failed him. The third time that he strove, he broke the silence.
“Patty,” said he. His heart was beating thickly, but there was no turning back now, for the first word had been spoken.
Patty must have had an inkling of what was in Tom’s mind, for her bosom was rising and falling quickly.
“Patty,” said Tom again.
“What is it, Thomas?” said she, in a trembling voice, and without raising her head.
Tom was picking nervously at the rough bark upon the fence-rail near to him, but he was looking at Patty.
“Thee knows why I have been coming to see thee all this time, doesn’t thee, Patty?”
“No,” whispered Patty.