Roy turned pale—and also looked rather foolish. He had—small blame to him—felt very sure.

“What do you mean?” he stammered.

“I mean that I can’t marry you,” repeated Anne desperately. “I thought I could—but I can’t.”

“Why can’t you?” Roy asked more calmly.

“Because—I don’t care enough for you.”

A crimson streak came into Roy’s face.

“So you’ve just been amusing yourself these two years?” he said slowly.

“No, no, I haven’t,” gasped poor Anne. Oh, how could she explain? She couldn’t explain. There are some things that cannot be explained. “I did think I cared—truly I did—but I know now I don’t.”

“You have ruined my life,” said Roy bitterly.

“Forgive me,” pleaded Anne miserably, with hot cheeks and stinging eyes.