"That may be one reason," he answered. "I wonder why"—he paused—"I wonder why your sister Carolina did not believe in me."
"You were quite fond of her, weren't you?" the girl began, then stopped and turned away her head.
Haines gazed curiously at Hope.
"I was, yes. I even thought I loved her, but I soon saw my mistake. It wasn't love. It was only a kind of—"
Suddenly pausing, Bud Haines shot a swift glance at the girl.
"What wonderful hair you have, Miss Hope."
The girl smiled invitingly.
"Think so?"
"Yes," he declared earnestly. "I know so. I never noticed it before, but I guess lots of fellows down in Mississippi have."
Hope's tantalizing smile worried him. "I hope you are not secretly engaged too!" he exclaimed.