"S'posin' I wanted to get married?"
There was a silence so sudden that it had the effect of an explosion. Then Miss Starkweather giggled nervously.
"That's just exactly what I do want," persisted Parker desperately, turning his toe inward, and kicking the wagon-box.
There was another disheartening silence. Then the girl's color flamed up under her rusty lace veil. She turned upon him witheringly.
"Well, what are ye goin' to do about it? Set 'round and wait till some girl asks ye?"
Her voice had a fine sarcastic sting in it.
Parker whipped his brown overalls with a green barley-head.
"No; I ain't such a bloomin' idiot as I look."
"I don't know 'bout that," answered the young woman coolly.
Parker faced about.