"So you have. And since she's so strong for you, there's no hurry: let her take her time."
"I only wish she would." Duncan removed one hand from the pocket the better to tug at his moustache. "It's got beyond that—to the point where I have to keep dodging her."
"You don't mean it! That's splendid." Kellogg got up and slapped Nat's shoulder heartily. "But don't overdo the dodging. She might get her back up."
"Not she. She'd eat out of my hand, if I'd let her. You don't understand."
"What's the matter, then? Aren't you strong for her?"
"I wish I were."
"But why? Is there another——?"
"No." Nat shook his head, honestly believing he was telling the truth. "Only ... I don't look at things the way I did once."
"Just what do you mean by that?"
Nat, squaring himself to face Kellogg, was very serious, now, and troubled. "See here, Harry," he said: "do you really want me to carry out the rest of the agreement?"