"Thank you, Miss Portington."
"I cannot forget how deeply indebted we are to you, Mr. Somers."
"I wish you could."
"Why do you wish so?" demanded the astonished maiden; more astonished at his manner than his words.
"I am sorry to have you burdened with such a weight of obligation."
"I think you mean to quarrel with me, Mr. Somers. I beg you will not be so savage just as you are going away," laughed Kate, though there was a troubled expression on her fair face. "I asked you if I should hear from you, Mr. Somers."
"Certainly, if you desire."
"Why do you qualify your words? I should be just as glad to hear from you as I ever was."
"Then you shall, at every opportunity."
"Thank you, Mr. Somers. That sounds hearty and honest, as father would say."