"Meanwhile I'll be making a place for you. I couldn't take you to
Moultrie."
She asked why.
"Eva, Peter's wife," he explained. "In a way Peter is my boss, you see. It would be a horrible situation."
"I see," said Colina. "But if there was no help for it I could."
"Ah, you're too good to me!" he cried. "But it won't be necessary. Peter and I have always intended to open other posts. I'll take the first one, and you and I will start on our own. Think of it! It makes me silly with happiness!"
Upon this foundation they raised a shining castle in the air.
"I must go," said Colina finally, "or father will be equipping an armed force to take me."
"You must go," he agreed, but weakly.
They repeated it at intervals without any move being made. At last she got up.
"Is this—good-by?" she faltered.