“And why aren’t you with the others?” said Harriet, suddenly.
“Couldn’t,” said Ralph, shaking his head. “Stayed a-hint ’cause of you; wanted to be with you—couldn’t go.”
“Then you do really love me?”
“I has said so,” answered Ralph.
A warm glow such as a fire might make entered Harriet’s heart. She sank down on the mossy turf and drew Ralph to sit near her.
“You are very nice,” she said. “I am very, very glad you stayed. But what did your father—what did he do?”
“Father?” said Ralph, in a surprised tone. “Nothing, in course.”
“But he wanted you to go, surely?”
“I said to father I must stay home this morning ’cause of one of my school-mothers.”
“And then?” said Harriet.