“Certainly not!” he exclaimed, so cheerfully that they both laughed at his alacrity.
He had spoken with a decisive confidence and authority that was part of his new attitude toward her. He had no intention of losing her; but he must wait; and meanwhile she should understand.
“I am not going to make myself a nuisance to you, but what I have said I am likely to repeat almost at any time; and some day, whether you will or not, you shall listen to me. And meanwhile I shall be, if you will, your friend and very obedient servant. You see, you already think me conceited; Miss Merriam has told me that she thinks so,—and I’m giving you real reason for thinking so. And now, let us talk of other things!”
She was silent under the shadow of the vines and he spoke in a different key as he turned to things that were of no importance whatever. The step of Ezra Dameron sounded once more down the road and they heard the gate close after him; and soon the gravel crunched under his feet near at hand.
He came up leaning heavily on his stick, breathing hard, for the night was still and hot.
Leighton rose and placed a chair for him.
“You’d better rest here before going in,” said Zelda, very kindly.
“And tell us how the corn looks,” added Morris.
Dameron stood at the edge of the veranda looking up at the heavens abstractedly, seemingly forgetful of their presence. He turned suddenly.
“The corn—the corn—who spoke of the corn?” he demanded. And then, half-aloud to himself, passing the two young people as though ignorant of their presence, “The corn, the corn, the beautiful corn!”