“Why?”

“Because I wouldn't let him,” I said.

“There's no danger,” she answered.

“Except for Bony,” I flashed back.

I held my ear close to the sounder for fear of missing a word.

“I am too young to think of marriage.”

“Until you have consulted me,” I said. “I know things that you must know before then.”

“I will ask father to write to your postmaster about his friend,” she continued, as if she thought I had things to tell about Bony.

“Don't let them turn you against me,” I urged.

“Don't fear. If I had another horruck I would send it to you.”