“I was glad to do it, Peggy. Clifford is—Yes; he’s a fine fellow,” he said as though he were obliged to acknowledge the fact. “He is well worth saving. I was glad to do it. Yet—yet I am thankful that I did not know——”
“Know what?” she asked as he came to a pause.
He did not answer, and the girl looked at him in perplexity. Presently she spoke:
“I think I never saw thee with thy hat on straight before, John. I like it not.”
“I did not know.” He touched it indifferently. “I always find it so when I am discouraged, or hopeless.”
“But why should thee be discouraged or hopeless now?” she queried amazed.
“How shall I bear it when you are in England, Peggy?” he cried suddenly, and turned from her.
Peggy saw a great light. When she spoke it was with sweet authority:
“Put thy hat as thee always wears it, John. Then let me tell thee about Clifford and Sally.”