"I don't think so in one way," James said honestly. "I don't think you are as beautiful as your mother, but I love you, Clemency."
"Well, that will do for me," said Clemency. "No, you need not kiss me again. I think myself I shall make you a better wife than a stepdaughter. You need not think for one minute that I would have minded you as I do Uncle Tom."
"But you will have to when we are married," said James.
Clemency blushed and quivered. "Well, maybe I will," she whispered. "I suppose I shall be just enough of a fool to stay in the house, if you order me, the way I do when Uncle Tom does."
"You shall stay in the house for no man alive when I have you in charge," said James. "Clemency—"
"What?"
"I will take you out now, if you say so. I can protect you."
"I know you can," Clemency said, "but I guess we had better not. You see Uncle Tom doesn't know yet, and he will be coming home, and—"
"I am going to tell him just as soon as he does," declared James.
"I wonder if you had better not wait," Clemency said thoughtfully.