She was still serious.
"Don't be silly," she reproved. "Why don't you go on with it now? Can't you, dear? Please. Oh, how I'd love to see you win it; and you can if you'll only try!" She clasped her hands eagerly and leaned in front of him.
"Do you suppose I could?" he asked, with some show of earnestness.
"Of course you could!" she cried. "Do try, Jack, dear; please do; for my sake."
The shade was deep where they were, and he stopped the horse and they remained there a space. She planned for him gaily.
"If I could only help you," she murmured tenderly.
"You can—by loving me," he said.
She looked away.
"If I do take up the work to win," he went on, "it'll mean I can't come down so often. How would you like that?" he asked, playfully.
"I shouldn't care." Then she added quickly, a little frightened by the look he gave her. "You know, dear, I didn't mean that! I mean I could stand it—I could stand it for your sake."