"I shall consider it my duty to do all I can for you," went on Nick Smithers. "You—you—well, to tell the strict truth, you interest me mightily. In fact, Miss Rosemead, I can't help but love you."
"Oh!"
"I trust that you are not offended?" said the swindler, hastily.
"Oh, no, Mr. Powers. But—I didn't quite expect this. But I—I well, I like you, too." And again the girl bent her dark brilliant eyes on him.
"If you'd marry me you'd make me the happiest man in America!" went on Nick Smithers. "It would be so romantic!" he whispered. "Think of how we met on the cars, and fell in love at sight!"
"It would be romantic!" she clasped her hands together. "I'll do it!"
"Good! It will be a fine thing to outwit this uncle of yours."
"Yes! yes! We must outwit him by all means. If he should learn of what I am doing——"
"He can learn the truth—after we are married, Clara." And then Nick Smithers gave the girl's hand a tight squeeze. Had they been in a more secluded place he would have kissed her.
"I—I—am happy!" she said, softly.