Paul soon took his leave, after saying he would call for her at eleven.
On their way home he said more kindly than usual:
"You are improving in self-confidence, Gerty, and looked uncommonly pretty to-night. I had no idea black would become you so well; but you had better be careful not to venture beyond your depth. It is easy to acquire the habit of listening as if you understood."
"Marion ventures to converse as well as to listen," faltered the poor child, resolved to say a word in self-defence.
He laughed, as he answered, "I only spoke for your good. Marion has been a close student in her day, while you—"
"Accepted the love so earnestly proffered," she added, interrupting him. "In that I confess I showed my weakness. I ought to have been sent to my room for a naughty girl; and have been made to learn an extra column from the spelling book."
"Well done, Gertrude," he exclaimed, making the night air ring with his loud laugh. "You are really growing smart. I must have my wits about me when I measure lances with you."
"Weapons of war require skill and strength as well as sharp wits," was her quiet answer; at which reply he was so much amazed he said not one word.
In July Edward came on for another visit, accompanied by Hannah, who declared that she had no idea the United States contained so much land, as lay between New York and Chicago. Nothing but her longing to see her dear Gerty would have tempted her to come so far; and now she dreaded the journey back.
"Perhaps Paul will let me go with you," urged Gerty glancing in her husband's face. "Only think it will be two years next Christmas since I saw my dear home."